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When the LA Lakers made their move from Minnesota to Los Angeles, the team suffered from a number of disappointing losses. There was obviously a need for a boost in the game play and player performance. The move, however, wasn`t necessarily a bad one, as the Lakers was able to strengthen their game plans and sharpened their skills on the hardcourt. Sales for Lakers tickets eventually picked up as basketball greats such as Walt Chamberlain became part of the LA Lakers.

Personal life

Wilton Norman Chamberlain as born in August 21, 1936 to a family of nine children in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Though he was a frail child, he had a very tall built perfect for the sport, though he first tried track and field during his younger years. When the popularity of basketball caught up with him, Chamberlain eventually played the sport and represented Overbrook High School in many athletic events. Chamberlain already measured 6` 11” when he entered high school.

In one summer while working as a bellhop, Wilt was invited to play against B.H. Born, then NCAA 1953 MVP. Born lost to Chamberlain and was so frustrated that he gave up on his dreams for an NBA career. Born was under the tutelage of Red Auerbach, then Bolton Celtics coach, who encouraged Chamberlain to go on to a New England school for college so they can draft him on territorial grounds. However, Chamberlain went for a different future and went of to the University of Kansas (KU), after receiving offers from almost 200 other universities.

College career

Chamberlain officially started playing for KU in 1956 but was met with much competition from his opponents. At first, many were astounded with how Chamberlain performed on the court and in other athletic events as well. However, opposing teams eventually chose to single out Chamberlain and usually posted three players to guard him. The concentration went from getting a score to guarding “Wilt the Stilt;” games barely moved due to the defensive tactic centralized on Chamberlain. After a highly disappointing three-year stint playing for KU, Wilt decided to call it quits. By that time, at the age of 21, Wilt Chamberlain had graced the covers of Time, Newsweek, Life and Look Magazines even before he turned pro. The NBA, however, wasn`t prepared to take Chamberlain in yet because he didn`t finish his last year of studies.

Going professional

Chamberlain played with the Harlem Globetrotters, an exhibition group, before heading off to join the NBA. The first team to take the basketball wonder under their wing was the Philadelphia Warriors. Chamberlain made history as the team`s center by being the highest paid rookie. Unfortunately, the taunts and the jeering made Chamberlain tired and weary of being seen as the freak in the show and he contemplated retiring from the NBA even if it was just his rookie year. Thanks to high raise in salary, many still got to see Chamberlain pound the court in different teams throughout the years.

After playing with the Warriors, Chamberlain played with the Philadelphia 76ers from 1965 to 1968 then moved to the newly-relocated Lakers team in Los Angeles. Chamberlain stayed for five years and became the team`s captain in 1972. Although Chamberlain was no longer the main scorer, he was able to keep up with his team mates until age caught up with the prolific player. He then bowed out of professional basketball in 1973. Nevertheless, Chamberlain left a legacy and an image of indomitable power that inspired many a great player to achieve what he has.

About the Author

Michaela Lawson is a sports historian and has collected histories and accounts of her favorite NBA team, the LA Lakers from reputable sources. Watch live NBA games by purchasing cheap Lakers tickets at DiscountSportsTickets.com.