Bill Laimbeer was more than an enforcer, even though that was his reputation that often overshadowed his value on the court. He was a solid scorer and rebounder, too.
One particular game that highlighted this was in an important regular-season matchup between the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers in 1984.
Laimbeer finished with 21 points and 19 rebounds, helping the Pistons beat the Lakers, 121-118. He admitted that it was a hard-earned win, stressing they had to play well from start to finish.
“I always knew we could beat them, but you have to play 48 good minutes,” Laimbeer said via UPI. “In the past, we’ve folded in the last two or three minutes, but not tonight.”
Despite only being a regular-season game, the Pistons’ win was significant. Not only did it keep them in the playoff hunt, but it also snapped a 10-game losing streak against the Lakers. The last time the Pistons had beaten L.A. was on January 25, 1979.
Banner year for Laimbeer
That effort against the Lakers was one of several strong showings Laimbeer had in the 1983-84 season. This helped establish him as one of the league’s most reliable big men, earning him his second All-Star selection. His value was further recognized when he finished 12th in voting both for the Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
That season also made it clear that Laimbeer was finally getting the chance to show his worth, something he never had with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He had two forgettable seasons with the Cavs, mostly as a reserve player.
That all changed when he was given an opportunity by then-Pistons coach Chuck Daly after arriving in Detroit. Laimbeer was installed as the starting center and thrived in that role.
“Bill is a blue-collar worker and he knows his limitations. It takes an intelligent player to understand that. Bill knows what he can do and does it consistently. That’s a sign of a professional,” Daly said via the New York Times that same year.
Why Lambs had to resort to physicality and mind games
Despite being a good defensive player, Laimbeer still sought extra leverage over his opponents. He turned to physicality and trash-talking, tactics he used to disrupt opponents and throw them off their game.
These eventually became his calling card, an image that made him one of the most disliked players in the league. It wasn’t pretty, but Lambs embraced it.
In fact, it fit in perfectly with the Pistons’ identity during the “Bad Boys” era. This was the era when the Pistons employed a notorious style, relying on intimidation and toughness against any team.
Many branded it as dirty basketball as the Pistons tested the limits of playing physically. They blasted the approach, aware that it could lead to fights or players getting seriously injured.
Regardless, the Pistons stuck to that philosophy and enjoyed success. It helped them win the 1989 and 1990 championships, making them the only team outside of the Lakers and the Boston Celtics to win titles in that era.
Though cast as a villain throughout his career, Laimbeer showed remarkable resilience despite constant criticism and jeers from fans and opponents. As a two-time champion and four-time All-Star, there is no question that Bill made his mark.
His ways were controversial, but there is no doubt he was a really good player as well.