Larry Smith was a professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 13 seasons. He was known for his tough and physical style of play, which earned him the nickname "Mr. Mean."
Smith began his basketball career at Alcorn State University, where he played for four years and was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Year in his senior season. He was then selected by the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 1980 NBA draft.
Smith played for the Warriors for six seasons, where he established himself as a reliable rebounder and defender. He was known for his ability to grab offensive rebounds and score on putbacks, as well as his tenacious defense against some of the league's top players.
In 1986, Smith was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he played for four seasons. He continued to be a valuable role player for the Rockets, providing toughness and physicality in the paint. He was also a key contributor to the team's success in the playoffs, helping them reach the NBA Finals in 1986 and 1994.
After his time with the Rockets, Smith played for the San Antonio Spurs and the Portland Trail Blazers before retiring in 1996. Throughout his career, he was known for his work ethic and dedication to the game, as well as his willingness to do whatever it took to help his team win.
Off the court, Smith was known for his charitable work and community involvement. He was a mentor to young players and was committed to giving back to the communities where he played.
Overall, Larry Smith was a respected and admired player during his time in the NBA. He was known for his toughness, physicality, and work ethic, and was a valuable contributor to every team he played for.
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