Storyline: The next time there’s a discussion about NBA all-time greats, insert the name of Lafayette “Fat” Lever. Let his stats do the talking.
In 1960, Lafayette Lever was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Even though Lever was a great NBA play, most people today won’t recognize his name.
So who was Lafayette Lever–known as “Fat”?
Coming out of Arizona State as a generously listed 6 foot 3 inch. 170 pound point guard, Lever certainly wasn’t the biggest guy on the court. But he didn’t let his very average size stop him from making waves.
He was drafted 11th overall by the Portland Trailblazers before being traded to Denver, where his career really took off. With two other scorers and NBA All-Stars on the team–Alex English and Calvin Natt–you’d think that Lever would be the distributor and let the English and Natt do the scoring.
Courtesy: Nugg Love
That wasn’t necessarily the case. From 1986-1990 Lever averaged over 18 points a game while shooting 44% from the field and about 80% from the line. And it wasn’t like he was throwing up a shot on every position.
But there’s more to Lever’s story. He also led his team in assists AND rebounds. And he averaged at least 7.5 assists a game in five of six seasons–numbers that made him the 2nd all-time assist leader in Denver. He’s also Denver’s all-time leader in steals.
Most amazing (for his size) was Lever’s rebounding ability. During his prime (’86-’90) he averaged over 9 rebounds a game in two of those four seasons. That productivity put him near the top of the NBA rebounding leader board–in a league with 10 players over 7 feet tall!
Courtesy: World News
Lever was selected to the all-NBA second team and the NBA all-defensive second team. But why didn’t he make first team in both categories? Well, during his prime he played in the shadow of two NBA giants, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.
But, still, many believed he was snubbed. One year, teammate Alex English was so upset that he offered up his all-star spot. The NBA denied the request.
Lever’s response? He just kept on excelling.
He is one of only a few players to get 20 points, 15 assists, and 15 rebounds in a playoff game. And he is the ONLY player since the merger with the ABA to get 30 points, 20 assists, and 15 rebounds. Yes, he’s the ONLY player. He’s also the ONLY player in NBA history to average 14 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals over the course of his career.
Courtesy: The Sports E-Cyclopedia
A lot of fans from Lever’s era believe he was overlooked because he didn’t seek the limelight. He just knew the fundamentals, was a hard worker, and was relentless in his play. He never showed off. He never hyped himself up. And he always gave credit to his teammates. In other words, Lever just did his job and did it very well.
Lever avoided fame away from the court, often denying to fans who he was. He wanted to fly under the radar. He just loved the game and wanted to play it well.
But the sad part of this story is that Lever is one of the NBA’s most forgotten talents. Consider the fact that his jersey has never been retired. Perhaps the biggest remembrance was when he was inducted into a high school Hall of Fame.
Courtesy: The Trading Card Database
Where is “Fat” today? He’s still in the League, this time as Director of Player Development and radio color commentator for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings.
The next time there’s a discussion about NBA all-time greats, insert the name of Lafayette “Fat” Lever. Let his stats do the talking.
