Former Minneapolis Lakers star Vern Mikkelsen was a 6-7, 230 pounds and is considered the NBA's first power forward. A look at the career highlights of Mikkelsen, who died Thursday night:
• Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995.
• Helped lead the Minneapolis Lakers to four NBA titles in five seasons from 1950 through 1954.
• Averaged 14.4 points and 9.4 rebounds in 699 NBA games.
• Still holds NBA record by fouling out of 127 games
• A collegiate star at Hamline when Pipers were among nation's top teams — at any level.
• Played high school at tiny Askov, Minn.
![Minnesota Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly speaks during a press conference to introduce the team's 2022 NBA draft selections Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at Target Center in Minneapolis. ]](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/5TJRTEW45B4MW7WV6N7UJSXBU4.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)