Los Angeles Lakers: Building the all-time underappreciated team
By Jason Elbaum
Power Forward: A.C. Green (Laker from 1985-1993, 1999-2000)
Often referred to as the “Iron Man” of the NBA, A.C. Green didn’t miss a single game for the Lakers for six straight seasons, before returning to LA to play another 82 consecutive games during the 1999-2000 season at the age of 36.
Green was selected by the Lakers in the first round of the 1985 NBA Draft out of Oregon State University and was an instrumental part of the Lakers two championships towards the end of the Showtime era. His best season came in 1989-1990 as he was selected to the Western Conference All-Star team.
Over his seven seasons in a Laker uniform, Green shot 50% from the field and 75% from the free throw line, giving the Lakers consistent production from the power forward position. His tenacity in the paint and nose for the ball allowed him to crash the boards and get the ball to Magic Johnson to start the Lakers almost unstoppable fast break.
He is 26th all-time in NBA games played and holds the NBA record for consecutive games played with 1,192 games without sitting out. Many believe that this streak will never be broken due to the recent practice of resting players so they are fresher when the playoffs start and increased caution around injuries in today’s game.