Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here’s a detailed profile for Mychal Thompson:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Mychal George Thompson
  • Nationality: Bahamian-American
  • Age: Born January 30, 1955
  • Hometown: Nassau, Bahamas
  • Height: 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters)
  • Weight: 235 pounds (107 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7 feet (2.13 meters)
  • Shoe Size: Size 16 (US)
  • Number: Wore 43 during his NBA career
  • Position: Power Forward / Center
  • High School: Miami Jackson Senior High School in Miami, Florida
  • College: University of Minnesota (1974–1978)
    • Thompson had an outstanding college career, earning multiple All-American honors.
  • Draft: 1978 NBA Draft; 1st overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers
    • Mychal Thompson was the first foreign-born player to be selected as the number one overall pick in the NBA Draft.
  • NBA Teams Played For:
    1. Portland Trail Blazers (1978–1986)
    2. San Antonio Spurs (1986–1987)
    3. Los Angeles Lakers (1987–1991)
  • Championships: 2 (1987, 1988 NBA Championships with the Los Angeles Lakers)
    • Thompson was an important part of the Lakers’ “Showtime” era, providing key minutes off the bench as a versatile big man.
  • Kids: Mychal Thompson has three sons:
    • Klay Thompson – NBA star and multiple-time champion with the Golden State Warriors
    • Trayce Thompson – Major League Baseball player (currently with the Chicago White Sox)
    • Mychel Thompson – Former professional basketball player
  • Siblings: Public information about his siblings is limited.

Player Archetype / Play Style

Mychal Thompson’s player archetype was that of a skilled two-way interior big, a 6-foot-10, 226-pound forward-center who paired size with touch, strength, and enough mobility to function as more than a pure paint enforcer. Defensively, he handled low-post assignments with smart positioning and physical strength, giving teams a reliable rebound-and-contest presence rather than a gamble-heavy shot hunter, while offensively he brought value as a low-post scorer, interior finisher, and capable passer who could fit into structured half-court sets without stalling the offense. Thompson was not a one-note bruiser; his game had polish, composure, and feel, which is why coaches viewed him as strong, smart, and versatile enough to help both as a starter-caliber front-line player and as a high-level support big. In full, his play style reads as a fundamentally sound inside operator whose impact came from balance—strength, touch, decision-making, and dependable two-way play. (NBA)

Fun Facts

  • Versatility: Mychal Thompson was known for his ability to play both center and power forward effectively, giving the Lakers valuable depth during their championship runs in the 1980s.
  • Showtime Lakers: He was a key reserve on the Lakers’ back-to-back championship teams in 1987 and 1988, contributing on both ends of the floor.
  • Broadcasting Career: After retiring, Thompson became a prominent sports radio host and commentator, serving as a longtime color analyst for the Lakers’ radio broadcasts.
  • Bahamian Roots: Thompson was born in the Bahamas and remains one of the most celebrated athletes from the country. His success helped pave the way for other international players in the NBA.

Sources

NBA.com — Mychal Thompson | Center | Portland Trail Blazers
Los Angeles Times — Lakers Trade a No. 1 to Find a No. 2 : L.A. Gets Mychal Thompson
Los Angeles Times — BAHAMAS’ MAIN MAN : Mychal Thompson Someday Might Not Be Hidden by Abdul-Jabbar