Keith Erickson was a professional basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns during his career. He was born on April 19, 1944, in Elmhurst, Illinois, and attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played college basketball.
Erickson was a versatile player who could play multiple positions on the court. He was known for his rebounding and defensive skills, as well as his ability to score from the perimeter. He was also a good passer and had a high basketball IQ.
Erickson was drafted by the San Francisco Warriors in the third round of the 1965 NBA draft, but he chose to play for the ABA's Oakland Oaks instead. He played for the Oaks for one season before joining the Lakers in 1966.
Erickson played for the Lakers for six seasons, from 1966 to 1972. He was a key player on the Lakers' championship team in 1972, where he played alongside stars like Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Gail Goodrich. Erickson was known for his clutch performances in big games, and he played a crucial role in the Lakers' championship run.
After leaving the Lakers, Erickson played for the Phoenix Suns for three seasons, from 1972 to 1975. He was a solid contributor for the Suns, averaging around 10 points per game during his time there.
Erickson retired from professional basketball in 1977, at the age of 33. He finished his career with averages of 7.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. He was known as a hard-working and dedicated player who always gave his best effort on the court.
After retiring from basketball, Erickson went on to have a successful career as a television broadcaster. He worked as a color commentator for the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, as well as for NBC Sports and CBS Sports. He was known for his insightful analysis and his ability to break down the game for viewers.
Overall, Keith Erickson was a talented and versatile basketball player who had a successful career in the NBA. He was a key player on a championship team and was known for his clutch performances in big games. After retiring from basketball, he went on to have a successful career as a television broadcaster, where he continued to share his love and knowledge of the game with fans around the world.
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