Posted on 11/22/2013 11:40:06 AM PST by EveningStar
Vern Mikkelsen, a Basketball Hall of Fame forward who starred for Hamline and the Minneapolis Lakers, died Thursday night at age 85 at his home in Wayzata...
The 6-foot-7 Mikkelsen was a territorial draft selection by the Lakers in 1949, joining another future Hall of Famer, center George Mikan. Mikkelsen became a six-time NBA All-Star in his 10 seasons, all with Minneapolis, averaging 14.4 points and 9.4 rebounds...
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Mikkelsen was never as prolific in his post career as were many other Minnesota sports legends, but when he told stories, they were entertaining.
Apparently no relation to Pete Mikkelsen, relief pitcher on last Mantle/Maris pennant winner.
The Minneapolis Lakers were the first dynasty of the NBA. Along with George Mikan, Jim Pollard, Slater Martin, and others Mikkelson was part of a team that won five titles in six years. Mikkelson was one of the few players of that era who had a jump shot. They wouldn’t strike terror in the hearts of today’s pros, but they were extremely formidable in their day.
“There’s something about that Lakers Score, That makes the fans want more....”
I wish I could remember the song that they sang whenever the Lakers were on the radio at WCCO. I adored Vern, George, Jim, and Slater/Dougie Martin.
I’m a huge basketball fan, and I love to see clips of old games. Extremely difficult to find. However, there is a feature on YouTube of the old Lakers, and they do sing the theme song at some point in the clip. And you can also find film of a championship game between the Lakers and Syracuse or New York. Amazing how the the game has changed in sixty years.
RIP.
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