LaSalle Thompson was a professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 15 seasons. He was born on June 23, 1961, in Leland, Mississippi, and attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns.
Thompson was selected by the Kansas City Kings with the fifth overall pick in the 1982 NBA draft. He played for the Kings for four seasons before being traded to the Indiana Pacers in 1986. He played for the Pacers for two seasons before being traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 1988.
Thompson played for the Spurs for four seasons before being traded to the Denver Nuggets in 1992. He played for the Nuggets for three seasons before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks in 1995. He played for the Hawks for two seasons before retiring from the NBA in 1997.
Thompson was known for his rebounding and defense. He was a two-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection and led the league in offensive rebounds in the 1986-87 season. He was also a solid scorer, averaging double figures in points per game in six seasons.
Thompson was a key player on several playoff teams throughout his career. He helped the Kings reach the playoffs in three of his four seasons with the team, and he helped the Spurs reach the Western Conference Finals in 1990. He also helped the Nuggets reach the playoffs in each of his three seasons with the team.
After retiring from the NBA, Thompson worked as a color commentator for the Nuggets and as a scout for the Golden State Warriors. He also worked as a coach in the NBA Development League.
Overall, LaSalle Thompson had a successful career in the NBA, playing for several teams and making an impact on the court with his rebounding and defense. He was a valuable player on playoff teams and continued to contribute to the sport after his playing days were over.
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