A local boy born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Darrall Imhoff grew up to help his hometown Lakers reach three NBA Finals in his four-year stint with the purple and gold.
Known as “The Ax” for his physicality, the 6-foot-10, 220-pound center was best known for his work on the glass.
He was chosen as an All-Star in 1967, then finished that year eighth in the NBA with 13.3 rebounds per game.
From 1964-68, he averaged 7.6 points and 9.4 rebounds with the Lakers, playing alongside the likes of Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and Gail Goodrich.
Though he never won a title during his time with the Lakers, Imhoff indirectly helped L.A. to a championship, as he was a key piece of the trade for Wilt Chamberlain.
Prior to his 12-year NBA career, Imhoff found success at every level, beginning at local Alhambra High. From there, he attended the University of California, where he became an NCAA champion in 1959 and a First Team All-American in 1960.
Immediately after, he was drafted third overall by the New York Knicks and then helped Team USA to gold at the Rome Olympics.
Imhoff died of a heart attack in Bend, Oregon, on June 30, 2017. He was 78.