Last Updated on April 15, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Lanard Copeland is a retired professional basketball player known for his success in the NBL (National Basketball League) in Australia and his brief stint in the NBA. Below are his details:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Lanard Copeland
  • Nationality: American-Australian
  • Date of Birth: July 26, 1965
  • Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm)
  • Weight: 205 pounds (93 kilograms)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 7 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 14 (US)
  • Jersey Number: Wore numbers 21 and 31 during his career.
  • Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
  • High School: Frederick Douglass High School, Atlanta, Georgia
  • College: Georgia State University (1983–1986)
  • NBA Draft: Went undrafted in the 1986 NBA Draft.
  • Teams Played For:
    • NBA: Philadelphia 76ers (1989), Los Angeles Clippers (1991).
    • NBL (Australia):
      • Melbourne Tigers (1992–2005)
      • Brisbane Bullets (2005–2006)
      • Adelaide 36ers (2006–2008)
  • Championship Rings: Won two NBL championships with the Melbourne Tigers (1993, 1997).
  • Notable Honors: Named one of the NBL’s all-time top players and is renowned for his scoring ability and partnership with Andrew Gaze on the Melbourne Tigers.
  • Kids: Father of multiple children, including daughter Kayla and son Hayden, who have followed in his basketball footsteps.
  • Siblings: Information about siblings is not publicly available.

Player Archetype / Play Style

Lanard Copeland’s player archetype was that of a high-flying scoring wing, the kind of explosive shot-maker who could function as a lead perimeter threat without needing to be a traditional point guard. Defensively, he brought value as an active, athletic perimeter defender who could pressure opposing wings, jump passing lanes, and use his length and bounce to bother scorers rather than simply sitting in a passive role. Offensively, Copeland was built to attack from the outside in, thriving as a volume scorer who could run the floor, rise up for jumpers, finish above the rim, and punish teams with both slashing and transition play. Physically, he stood out for his strong 6-foot-6 frame, spring-loaded leaping ability, and rare explosiveness, traits that made him one of the NBL’s most visually dynamic imports of his era. Put together, his play style was that of an aggressive, aerial wing scorer who blended athletic flair with real production, giving his teams a dangerous mix of perimeter offense, open-floor finishing, and energetic two-way presence.

Source:

Basketball Australia — Australian Basketball Hall of Fame- Lanard Copeland
Aussie Hoopla — Lanard Copeland
Pick and Roll — Yesterday and today: Copeland talks NBL, Simmons …