American · Pine Bluff, Arkansas · Born 18 August 1960One of only two guards in NBA history to average a double-double — the engine of the Denver Nuggets' run-and-gun era.
Lafayette Lever was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas in 1960. Portland Trail Blazers selected him 11th overall in the 1982 NBA Draft. His 11-season career produced averages of 14.5 points, 6.3 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game — a rebounds average extraordinary for a 6ft 3in point guard. He is one of only two guards in NBA history to average a double-double in points and rebounds across a full season, doing so twice. He was selected to two All-Star games and named to the All-NBA Second Team twice. He was the engine of the Denver Nuggets run-and-gun offence in the late 1980s — a team that regularly led the league in scoring and provided some of the most entertaining basketball of the era under coach Doug Moe. He averaged 19.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.5 assists in his finest season of 1987-88. His combination of triple-double ability from the point guard position was not matched until Russell Westbrook in the 2010s. Severe knee injuries curtailed his career from 1990 onwards, costing him what should have been his peak years. He remains one of the most statistically unique point guards in NBA history.
Triple-double threats and exceptional all-around play as a point guard
How They Played
Versatile point guard with excellent court vision, rebounding ability, and defensive instincts
Lasting Impact
One of the most versatile point guards of the 1980s, known for his ability to fill up the stat sheet
Career Honours
- All-Star 2x
- All-NBA Second Team 2x
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Portland Trail Blazers | 1982–1984 | 164 |
| Denver Nuggets | 1984–1990 | 457 |
| Dallas Mavericks | 1990–1994 | 282 |
American Athletes