You’ve probably seen the bronze shoes. If you ever visited the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame before the 2022 renovations, there was this pair of sneakers that looked more like small canoes than athletic footwear. Those were size 22s. They belonged to Bob Lanier, a man whose physical presence was so massive it basically redefined what people expected from an NBA center in the 1970s.
Honestly, it’s easy to get lost in the "big feet" stories, but Bob Lanier was a lot more than a trivia answer. He was a left-handed force of nature who could kill you with a sweeping hook shot or bury a jumper from 20 feet out. He was a 250-pound wall of muscle who somehow moved with the grace of a much smaller man—at least until his knees started to betray him.
Why Bob Lanier matters more than you think
In an era of legendary giants, Lanier was often the guy who did the heavy lifting without the championship rings to show for it. Think about the competition. He was battling Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Dave Cowens, and Bill Walton every single night.
He didn't just survive; he thrived.
Lanier finished his career averaging a double-double: 20.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. He was the first overall pick in 1970 for a reason. But the story of Bob Lanier basketball player isn't just a list of stats. It's a story of what happens when elite talent meets absolute physical grit, even when the body starts to break down before the spirit does.
The St. Bonaventure Legend and the Knee That Changed Everything
Before the Detroit Pistons or the Milwaukee Bucks, there was St. Bonaventure. In the late 60s, Lanier turned a small school in upstate New York into a national powerhouse. People in Olean still talk about the 1970 season like it was yesterday. The Bonnies were 25-1. They were ranked No. 3 in the country. They were heading to the Final Four, and they looked like they could actually win the whole thing.
Then, the disaster happened.
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During the regional final against Villanova, a player fell into Lanier’s knee. He tore his MCL. He tried to run back down the court, but his leg just... collapsed. St. Bonaventure lost the semifinal to Jacksonville without him, and fans have spent the last 50 years wondering "what if."
That injury was the start of a lifelong battle. When the Pistons drafted him #1 overall in 1970, Lanier was still recovering. He played his entire rookie season on a "gimpy" knee, weathering boos from Detroit fans who thought he was a "million-dollar bust."
Imagine being 6'11", 250 pounds, and having to run yourself into shape on a knee that won't let you run. That was Lanier's 1971. He wasn't a bust, though. He was just healing. Once he did, he became an eight-time All-Star.
The Detroit Years: Carrying the Pistons
For a decade, Lanier was the soul of Detroit basketball. He was the guy who could bang in the post but also step out and hit a mid-range shot that was basically unblockable because of his high release.
He had this sweeping lefty hook. It wasn't the "Skyhook" that Kareem used, but it was just as effective in a phone booth.
The Stats That Don't Lie
- 1971-72: 25.7 PPG, 14.2 RPG.
- 1973-74: All-Star Game MVP (he dropped 24 points and 10 boards in just 26 minutes).
- Career High: 51 points in a single college game; 19,248 total NBA points.
The problem? The Pistons never quite put enough around him. While the Knicks and Celtics were winning rings, Lanier was often the lone bright spot in Cobo Arena. He was an All-NBA talent trapped on teams that just couldn't get over the hump. Eventually, he asked for a trade to a contender. He wanted to win.
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The Milwaukee "Second Act"
In 1980, the Pistons finally sent him to the Milwaukee Bucks. It was exactly what he needed. Even though he was "past his prime" and his knees were basically held together by tape and willpower, the Bucks went 20-6 immediately after he joined.
He provided the veteran toughness they were missing. Kevin McHale once mentioned that the 80s Bucks were the only team that truly intimidated the Boston Celtics, and Lanier was a huge reason for that. He brought a "don't mess with us" attitude to a very talented roster. He never got that elusive ring, but he retired in 1984 with his head held high and his #16 jersey eventually hanging from the rafters in both Detroit and Milwaukee.
More Than Just a Center: The Global Ambassador
If you look at the NBA today, a lot of the community work you see stems from the foundation Bob Lanier built. After he retired, he didn't just go play golf. He became a Global Ambassador for the league. He worked with every commissioner from Larry O'Brien to Adam Silver.
He headed the "Stay in School" program. He led "NBA Cares."
In 2022, the NBA even renamed the Community Assist Award in his honor. It’s now the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award. It fits perfectly because, as great as he was on the court, his kindness off of it was what really left a mark.
The Size 22 Shoes: Separating Fact from Fiction
We have to talk about the shoes because everyone else does.
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Yes, he wore size 22s. For a long time, it was the record until Shaq came along and tied or slightly exceeded it depending on the brand. There’s a famous Miller Lite commercial from the 80s where Lanier and Burt Reynolds joke about it.
But here is the thing: the big feet weren't just a quirk. They were a nightmare for his joints. Modern sports medicine probably could have saved his knees, but in the 70s, you just played through the pain. Lanier played 959 games on those knees. That’s incredible when you think about the physics of it.
Actionable Takeaways for Basketball History Fans
If you're looking to truly appreciate the legacy of Bob Lanier basketball player, don't just look at a box score. Here is how to actually dive into his impact:
- Watch the 1974 All-Star Game: It’s one of the few places you can see him at his absolute peak, dominant among the best to ever play.
- Study the Left-Handed Hook: If you're a player today, look at his footwork. He used his massive frame to create angles that are still relevant for modern "bigs" who want to play with finesse.
- Visit St. Bonaventure: They named the court after him. The "Reilly Center" is basically the house that Bob built.
- Look into the Community Assist Award: Check out the current winners. Every time a player like Deandre Ayton wins it for hurricane relief or food justice, they are carrying on the specific legacy Lanier started 40 years ago.
Bob Lanier died in May 2022 at the age of 73. He left behind a game that was better than he found it. He wasn't just a giant with big shoes; he was a giant with a massive heart who proved that you don't need a championship ring to be one of the greatest to ever step onto the hardwood.
Key Career Milestones:
- 1970: #1 Overall Pick (Detroit Pistons).
- 1974: NBA All-Star MVP.
- 1978: J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.
- 1992: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
- 2006: College Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee.
To understand Lanier is to understand the "Golden Era" of NBA centers. He was the bridge between the dominance of Wilt and the modern versatility of the 80s and 90s. Next time you see a highlight of a big man hitting a smooth 20-footer, remember that "Dobber" was doing it first, in much bigger shoes.