Lafayette Lever: Fat Lever

On August 18th, 1960, Lafayette “Fat” Lever was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Lever would become a 2x All-Star, a great point guard during the 80’s and one of the best defensive guards of all time.

Lever went to Arizona State for 4 years (1978-1982). He was selected with the 11th overall pick in the 1982 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Lever had a decent rookie season, and had a few good moments here and there. He played with the Blazers until 1984 when he went to the Denver Nuggets, where his career really took off. Lever was a great rebounder and regularly led the Nuggets in rebounds, as well as assists and steals. He ranked #1 in steals for the Nuggets, #2 in assists, as well as being one of three players in NBA History to have 15+ points, rebounds, and assists in a playoff game along with Wilt Chamberlain and Jason Kidd. He was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 1990. He sat out almost the entire 1990-91 season with a knee injury and retired in 1994 with the Mavs. In 1988-89, Lever averaged 19.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 2.7 steals. Wow, just wow. Those are MVP type numbers from a 6 foot 3 guard. Overall, Lever was a 2x NBA All Star, All NBA 2nd Team (1987), All Defensive 2nd Team (1988), 2x First Team All-Pac 10. Lever is 24th All Time in steals with 1,666, and 6th All Time in steals per game with 2.22. Lever is also one of 24 players in NBA history to have more than 23 assists in a game. Lever has had 9 steals in a game 3 times, and once had 8 steals in a single 3rd quarter.

Lever was one of the best defensive guards and was great at getting into the passing lanes. He should have gotten some more recognition, but he is one of the best guards in the 80’s.

I hope you enjoyed this edition of This Day in History, please leave a comment on which player I should do next and on which day.