15 Facts About Mike Smrek

Michael Francis Smrek was born on 31 August 1962 and is a Canadian former professional basketball player.

Mike Smrek was selected in the second round of the 1985 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, and played seven seasons in the league as a backup 7-foot centre.

Mike Smrek won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Mike Smrek graduated from Eastdale High School in Welland, Ontario, having grown up in Port Robinson, Ontario, and a nearby rural farming community.

Mike Smrek worked on his family farm and had little time for organized sports.

Mike Smrek did not start playing basketball until grade 10 after being prodded by the high school coach to try out.

At Canisius College, Mike Smrek averaged 9.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 0.8 assists in 23 minutes a contest over four years.

Mike Smrek is the college's second-leading career shot-blocker with 172.

Mike Smrek was a back-up center, appearing in 194 games over seven seasons.

Mike Smrek averaged 9.7 minutes, 2.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks a contest during this time.

Mike Smrek figured the Lakers provided him the best opportunity for a regular role in the NBA, as their starting center, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, was approaching age 40.

Mike Smrek played sparingly in his two seasons with the Lakers, but earned NBA championship rings in 1987 and 1988.

Mike Smrek then had a year with the San Antonio Spurs, parts of three seasons with the Golden State Warriors and a brief stint with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Mike Smrek played for the Toronto Raptors in the 1996 preseason.

Mike Smrek played in Italy for Fulgor Libertas Forli, in the Greek League for Dafni BC and in Croatia for KK Split.