During his time with the Trail Blazers, Thompson quickly established himself as a reliable center and power forward. His ability to score, rebound, and defend made him a valuable asset to the team. Over the course of his tenure in Portland, he consistently averaged double figures in points and was a strong presence on the boards. His best statistical season came in 1981-82 when he averaged 20.8 points and 11.7 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to dominate in the paint.
In 1986, Thompson's career took a new turn when he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs. His time with the Spurs was brief, but it set the stage for the next chapter of his career. Later that year, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that would bring him into the spotlight of a championship-caliber team.
Joining the Lakers, Thompson became an integral part of the "Showtime" era, playing alongside legends such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy. His role with the Lakers was primarily as a backup center and power forward, providing depth and experience to a team that was already stacked with talent. Thompson's defensive skills and ability to contribute offensively when needed made him a valuable player off the bench.
During his time with the Lakers, Thompson won two NBA championships in 1987 and 1988. His contributions in the playoffs were crucial, as he provided the team with the necessary support to secure victories in critical games. Thompson's presence on the court was a testament to his understanding of the game and his ability to perform under pressure.
After his stint with the Lakers, Thompson played one more season in the NBA with the Lakers before retiring in 1991. Over the course of his career, he played in 935 regular-season games, averaging 13.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. His career was marked by his adaptability and his ability to play both center and power forward positions effectively.
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