RealGM

Jim McMillian, who played nine seasons in the NBA with four teams and won a title with the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, died Monday. He was 68.

McMillian was a small forward who averaged 13.8 points per game in a career that started with the Lakers in 1970-71 and included stints with the Buffalo Braves, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers.

He average better than 18 points a game in three straight seasons -- 1971-72, and 1972-73 with the Lakers, and 1973-74 with the Braves.

"Jim was an important part of Lakers history, as a key member of our first championship team in Los Angeles in 1972," Lakers president and co-owner Jeanie Buss said in a statement. "His passing is a sad day for us. On behalf of the entire Lakers family, I'd like to send our condolences to all of Jim's friends and family."