15 stars you might have forgot played for the Los Angeles Lakers
By Amaar Burton
8. Connie Hawkins (1973-75)
Connie Hawkins did almost everything that every basketball player has ever wanted to do.
He is a playground legend in New York City, making his name at the iconic Rucker Park. He was a superstar in the ABA. He played for the Harlem Globetrotters. He was an NBA All-Star. And now he is immortalized in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Hawkins was expelled from the University of Iowa before his college career began due to his alleged involvement in a point-shaving scandal. That’s what really ignited his unique basketball journey. That’s why he didn’t debut in the NBA until he was 25 years old and already having knee issues.
Just about anyone who witnessed Hawkins play at Rucker Park, in the ABA or with the Globetrotters would tell you that the Hawkins who played in the NBA was not the best version of “The Hawk.”
Some Connie Hawkins (from his Lakers days) for @CadChica: pic.twitter.com/Vt9mPg6F
— SI Vault (@si_vault) November 18, 2011
The lesser version of Hawkins still put up 20.5 points and 9.4 rebounds per game in four seasons with the Phoenix Suns, making the All-Star Game every year.
He was traded to the Lakers in 1973, but the knee problems soon resurfaced and his production dipped drastically.
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Hawkins averaged 11.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists in parts of two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. He helped L.A. make the 1974 playoffs, where they lost to the Bucks in the first round.
Although he played just seven seasons in the NBA, his entire resume made him an easy Hall of Fame choice.
Connie Hawkins passed away in 2017.