MINNEAPOLIS -- Vern Mikkelsen, a Hall of Fame basketball player who won four NBA titles with the Minneapolis Lakers, has died. Jaire Alexander Packers Jersey . He was 85. Mikkelsen died on Thursday night surrounded by family, the Los Angeles Lakers announced on Friday. He was a six-time All-Star during 10 years with the Lakers, teaming with George Mikan and Jim Pollard in a frontcourt that to this day is considered one of the best the league has ever seen. Though he was known for his hard-nosed defence, Mikkelsen averaged 14.4 points and 9.4 rebounds in his career and emerged as one of the leagues first true power forwards. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995. "I was a good basketball player, but I attribute greatness to those individuals who sacrifice their time, talents, and efforts for the benefit of others," Mikkelsen wrote in the forward to "The Vern Mikkelsen Story," which was published in 2006. "I did some of that, too, though not nearly as much as I would have liked to, looking back on it." Arild Verner Mikkelson was born in Fresno, Calif., in 1928 and grew up in the northern Minnesota town of Askov, about 95 miles north of Minneapolis. He played college ball at Hamline in St. Paul, at the time a basketball power that sent two other players to the Lakers as well. Mikkelsen was drafted in 1949 and helped lead the Lakers to championships in 1950 and three in a row from 1952-54. One of the leagues original enforcers, Mikkelsen was a physical player and fouled out a record 127 times before retiring in 1959. "He was the protector of Mikan," said Wolves president Flip Saunders, who got to know Mikkelsen during 10 years as a coach in the organization. "He loved being around here. And he was one of the best story tellers." He was later the coach and general manager of the ABAs Minnesota Pipers. "Vern was one of the first in a long line of great Lakers players, and a key link to our franchises early years in Minnesota," Lakers President Jeanie Buss said in a statement. "We appreciate his contributions to the Lakers and our legacy, and we send our condolences and best wishes to his family." Mikkelsens name hangs in the rafters at Staples Center on a banner that also is home to the retired jerseys in the organization. Mikkelsen remained a revered figure in Minnesota long after his playing days, a gracious story teller who remained close to the game long after he retired. In his later years, Mikkelsen overcame two strokes, diabetes, prostate cancer and the death of his wife of 47 years in 2002. And he remained upbeat through it all. "Keep on doing your best with what you have to work with, as we all have an obligation to take care of ourselves and live as long as possible, respecting each day as a great gift with the intention of sharing the simple, meaningful things of life with family, friends and our community," Mikkelsen wrote. He was influential in bringing the NBA back to Minnesota in the 1980s and the Timberwolves planned to hold a moment of silence to honour him on Friday night before they played the Brooklyn Nets. "During his playing days at Hamline University and the Lakers, Vern was a dominant force on the court and one of the games great power forwards," the Wolves said in a statement. "Vern was a great friend to our organization and we offer our condolences to his family." JK Scott Packers Jersey . - The Seattle Sounders busy off-season continues with the team acquiring defender Chad Marshall from the Columbus Crew in exchange for a 2015 third-round pick and allocation money. JK Scott Jersey . Monta Ellis had 30 points and nine assists, Nowitzki was another of seven Dallas players in double figures with 11 points and the Mavericks beat the Los Angeles Lakers 123-104 Tuesday night. http://www.officialpackersteamgears.com/oren-burks-jersey/ . -- Each time the Utah Jazz threatened Memphis lead, the Grizzlies responded with defensive stops.JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jacksonville Jaguars coach Gus Bradley has left the team following his fathers death. Bradley flew home to Zumbrota, Minn., on Monday to be with his family, turning interim coaching duties over to secondary coach DeWayne Walker. Bradleys father, Roy James Bradley, died Sunday night following a lengthy illness. He was 85. The youngest of the six kids, Bradley is expected to rejoin the team in London, possibly as early as Wednesday. "Many of guys know coach Bradley and have been around him enough to know that hes a very tough-minded man, has a lot of intestinal fortitude and he really struggled with this decision: whether to lead this team or to lead his family," general manager Dave Caldwell said. "And we made it for him this morning to go home and be with his family and his mom, Gloria, to take care of what he needed there. "We have enough confidence in our coaching staff here and our team here that were going to take care of our business, and coach Bradley will rejoin the team as soon as he can. We fully support him and his family with that." The Jaguars (0-7) are flying to London later Monday and spending the week there before playing defending NFC champion San Francisco. Walker has 25 years of coaching experience, including the last four as head coach at New Mexico State. "He could have closed his eyes and just picked any coacch," Walker said. Josh Jackson Jersey. "I think all the coaches are capable of doing what he asked me to do. I just want to make sure I dont embarrass him." Jacksonville has lost every game this season by double digits, getting outscored 222-76. San Diego, dealing with a short week and a cross-country flight, dominated every aspect of Sundays 24-6 win over the Jaguars. Bradley was Seattles defensive co-ordinator the previous four years. Caldwell and owner Shad Khan picked Bradley to lead the franchises latest rebuilding project, which clearly wont be an easy fix. Walker declined to address injuries, the teams quarterback situation or any other team issues. Its unclear whether Blaine Gabbert (hamstring) or Chad Henne will start Sunday against the 49ers. "Im going to sit in the chair for maybe a day and a half, so for me to have this big plan to try to rejuvenate our football team, I dont think thats my place," Walker said. Walker addressed the team Monday, giving them the news about Bradleys father. "Coach Bradley has been good to all of us, and any time a situation like this pops up when youre a family, youre going to feel bad and youre going to have some sensitive feelings," Walker said. "I think our team is a tight-knit family, and Im sure guys are hurting." Roy James Bradley is survived by his wife, Gloria, and six children. Cheap Jerseys Store China Jerseys White NFL Jerseys Cheap Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping Youth NFL Jerseys Cheap Wholesale Stitched Jerseys China NFL Gear ' ' '