Bob Lanier
Key Career Moment of Bob Lanier
Bob Lanier cemented his NBA legacy in the 1974 playoffs while playing for the Detroit Pistons. Despite battling injuries, he averaged 25.6 points and 14.2 rebounds per game, leading the Pistons to a hard-fought series against the Chicago Bulls.
Robert Jerry Lanier Jr. (Septem – ) was an American professional basketball player.
His defining performance came in Game 7, where he dominated with 32 points and 18 rebounds, showcasing his unstoppable presence in the paint.
Lanier was a force of nature-no one could stop him when he was healthy, said former teammate Dave Bing.This series solidified Lanier as one of the NBA's elite centers of the 1970s.
Unique Skill of Bob Lanier
Bob Lanier's signature skill was his devastating skyhook, a nearly unguardable move that made him a scoring machine.
Standing at 6'11 with a soft touch, he could finish over defenders with either hand, a rarity for big men of his era. His footwork and basketball IQ allowed him to outmaneuver opponents, making him a nightmare in the post.
Bob Lanier's Stats
- 20,488 career points (19.3 PPG average)
- 10,279 career rebounds (9.7 RPG average)
- 8-time NBA All-Star (19721979, 1982)
Bob Lanier's Legacy in the NBA
Bob Lanier's impact on basketball extended beyond his playing career.
After retiring in 1984, he became an NBA ambassador, promoting youth development and sportsmanship.
Bob Lanier, the left-handed big man who muscled up beside the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as one of the NBA’s top players of the s, died Tuesday.
A unique fact: Lanier wore size 22 shoes, some of the largest in NBA history. His No. 16 jersey was retired by both the Pistons and Bucks, honoring his dominance as one of the most skilled centers of his generation. Today, Lanier is remembered not just for his stats, but for his leadership and contributions to growing the game worldwide.