In the rich history of the Los Angeles Lakers, a noteworthy figure shares the name Mel Gibson, albeit not the famous actor. This Mel Gibson was a professional basketball player who played for the Lakers during the early 1960s.
Mel Gibson’s Brief Lakers Career
Drafted in the second round of the 1963 NBA Draft, the 6-foot-3 guard began his journey with the Lakers. He played one season with the team, participating in nine games.
Statistics and Performance
During his time with the Lakers, Mel Gibson recorded an average of:
- Points: 1.4 per game
- Rebounds: 0.4 per game
- Assists: 0.7 per game
- Minutes played: 5.9 per game
Although his contributions were modest, his presence adds to the narrative of the team’s extensive history.
Career After the Lakers
Following his playing career, Gibson transitioned into coaching. He held head coaching positions at:
- Charleston Southern University
- University of North Carolina at Wilmington
A Legacy in Lakers Jersey History
As the Lakers continue to commemorate their longstanding history, the name Mel Gibson, though overshadowed by the actor, remains a part of the franchise’s journey. Throughout their 80 seasons, the team has seen a total of 506 players wear the iconic purple and gold jerseys.
This unique blend of basketball and cinematic legacy reflects the diverse characters connected to the Lakers’ storied past. As fans look back on the players, Mel Gibson stands out within the context of Lakers jersey history at No. 15.
