One of the most skilled centers of the 1970s — an eight-time All-Star whose career was constrained by a devastating knee injury.
Robert Jerry Lanier Jr. was born in Buffalo, New York in 1948 and attended St. Bonaventure University. Detroit Pistons selected him first overall in the 1970 NBA Draft — the same draft that included Bob Dandridge, Dave Cowens, Pete Maravich and Calvin Murphy. He averaged 20.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game across his 14-season career and was selected to eight All-Star games. His career was interrupted in his final college season when he tore the ligaments in his left knee during the NCAA Tournament — an injury that affected him throughout his professional career and from which he never fully recovered his athleticism. Had he been healthy from the start, most analysts believe he would have been one of the premier centers in NBA history. He was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team in 1996. He is notable for having the largest feet in NBA history — size 22 shoes. He was elected president of the National Basketball Players Association and was active in player union matters throughout his career. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. After retirement he became a global ambassador for the NBA and worked extensively with youth basketball programmes.
Dominant center with exceptional size 22 shoes, smooth shooting touch, and Hall of Fame career
How They Played
Skilled big man with soft touch, excellent footwork, and strong low-post game
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest centers of the 1970s, known for his finesse and basketball IQ
All-Star 8x
Career Honours
- All-Star 8x
- All-NBA Second Team 2x
- NBA 50th Anniversary Team