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7x NBA Rebounding Champion Once Stopped the Showtime Lakers, Before His Association With Michael Jordan & the Bulls

Published 08/09/2023, 5:35 AM EDT

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The Showtime Lakers were one of the most dominant teams to have ever graced the NBA. Renowned for their exciting run-and-gun style of basketball, the Lakers of that time were truly one of the greatest teams ever. Coming to fruition in 1979 under the stewardship of new owner Jerry Buss. Showtime lasted for over a decade up until Magic Johnson’s retirement in 1991. During the 11 seasons that the team was active, the Lakers reached the NBA finals 9 times. Winning 5 and losing 4, this impeccable record was pretty hard to replicate. After the end of this era, it took the purple and gold 9 years for their next silverware.

Although the LA Lakers formed a formidable team during that era, they weren’t the only great team around. The Boston Celtics were always a threat, with the Bad Boys Pistons serving as another nemesis. One certain rebounder made quite the name for himself as he helped the Detroit Pistons overthrow Showtime.

7x rebound champion overthrows Showtime Lakers

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During the 1986-87 season, a scrawny kid was drafted by the Detroit Pistons with the 27th pick. A pretty quiet move at the time, the player soon garnered the attention of many as his defensive prowess became apparent. The individual in question was none other than the flamboyant Dennis Rodman. Fans know him the world and over, for his drinking tales with Putin and ties to North Korea.

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Although performing decently during his rookie year, it is his second year that caught the attention of many. Reaching the NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, the defensive stalwart helped seal the offensive juggernauts as he intercepted every move.

Showing his defensive acumen while guarding the likes of Kareem, Magic Johnson and James Worthy. the youngster raised many eyebrows with his performances. Ultimately losing after blowing a 2-0 lead, Rodman did get his revenge a year later as his Pistons swept Los Angeles in dominant fashion.

This victory was the start of something special for Rodman who went on to become a 7x rebound champion and 5x NBA champion.

The legendary Bulls trio

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A 2x DPOY winner during his playing days Dennis Rodman held unmatched defensive abilities. While he did earn considerable success with the ‘Bad Boys’ Detroit team it was his time in Chicago that earned him the most success.

Forming arguably the greatest trio in NBA history, Rodman played alongside Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan, forming a dynasty that earned him a three-peat.

Traded by the San Antonio Spurs to the Bulls, the Worm had earned quite the negative press by that time. Known for his outspoken lifestyle, weird hairdos and multiple tattoos, Dennis Rodman was mostly scrutinized in public.

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Regardless of this, the icon went on to become a key part of the Chicago Bulls as he cemented himself as one of the best defensive players of all time.

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Written by:

Arian Kashyap

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Arian Kashyap is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. He has college degrees in Physical Education and Sport Sciences and has been writing since 2019. He actively follows the NBA, and though he is a Miami Heat fan, Arian likes to provide all NBA lovers with captivating content that also helps educate his readers.
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Edited by:

Aakash Nair