Vern Mikkelsen was a professional basketball player who had a successful career spanning two decades. He was a power forward who was known for his strong rebounding and defensive skills. He was a six-time All-Star and a four-time NBA champion.

Mikkelsen was born in Hamar, Minnesota in 1928. He attended high school in his hometown and then went on to college at Hamline University. He was a two-time All-American at Hamline and was named the Helms Foundation Player of the Year in 1949.

Mikkelsen was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1949 and played with them for ten seasons. He was a key part of the Lakers' success, helping them to four NBA championships. He was a six-time All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Second Team three times. He was also a two-time NBA rebounding champion.

Mikkelsen retired from the Lakers in 1959 and went on to play for the Chicago Packers and the Cincinnati Royals. He retired from the NBA in 1969.

Mikkelsen was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995. He was also named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996. He was a pioneer of the game and is remembered as one of the greatest power forwards of all time.

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