Lakers' Throwback Thursday: DJ Mbenga Night

Photo Courtesy of Chris Elise

Sure, one can say that he was a terrible center with an imbalanced play style on both ends of the floor but what Didier Mbenga brought on the floor was something worth noting: hustle.

The seven-foot Belgian veteran gave Lakers fans an unorthodox yet lovable player to root for, a player that did not look the part of your typical basketball center but had a good feel for the game and did what he was supposed to do. Mbenga, for the most part, was a rim protector and had a tendency for smacking the crap out of shots that went his way.

Photo Courtesy of Zimbio.com

He also got a lot of attention given his unique personality and interesting habits, hobbies, and talents including the ability to speak five languages (English, French, Portuguese, Lingala, and Tshiluba). He is also a black belt in Judo which only helped build his tough and physical attributes as an enforcer in the paint.

Mbenga was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Mavericks back in 2004 where he stayed for approximately three years before being waived and picked up by the Golden State Warriors in 2007. Eventually the Warriors would also let go of Mbenga during the middle of the season where the Lakers decided to take a chance with the Congo native, signing him to a 10-day contract before signing him for the remainder of the season.

Although he did not see to much playing time, when he actually got on the floor, Mbenga did all he possibly could. On March 6, 2009, Mbenga went on to score his career high 10 points along with grabbing four boards and swatting away 5 shots in the course of 17 minutes; it was surely his night.

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After winning his first of two NBA championships, Mbenga earned the trust of Phil Jackson and obtained his first start for the Lakers during the 2009-2010 campaign when big men Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum both went out with injuries. During his second start for the purple and gold, Mbenga racked up 10 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks. He would go on to earn his second championship with the Lakers that season.

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"Congo-Cash" was never really a star in the books but he brought a much needed physicality to the team. From his scuffles with teammates during practice to his crazy swiping leaps towards any shot attempt anyone took, Mbenga did not care what the press thought of him, he embraced the opportunities he had and chose to be the player he felt the most comfortable being.

Mbenga moved on to play for a couple of teams in Asian and European leagues after his departure from the Lakers. Last year, he had reportedly joined Barko Bull Energy Cola in the Philippines. Although the 33-year old has been out of the league for awhile, he will always have a place in Los Angeles and in the NBA, for his brute force, his rim protection, and of course TACOS!

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