Lakers mourn the death of Flynn Robinson

Flynn Robinson passed away on Thursday at age 72 after a battle with cancer (multiple myeloma).

Robinson was a 6-foot-1 guard who played just one, special season with the Lakers.

“We are very sad to hear of the passing of Flynn Robinson,” Lakers executive Jeanie Buss said. “Flynn played an important role on the 1971-72 Lakers team that brought Los Angeles its first NBA championship and won what is still an NBA-record 33 consecutive games.

“Lakers fans might remember him as ‘Mr. Instant Point,’ a nickname given to him by the great Chick Hearn, a nickname that was well-earned as Flynn led the reserves in scoring that season, averaging 10 points in 16 minutes off the bench,” continued Buss. “He was a proud part of our Lakers heritage, participating in numerous reunions and special events over the years, and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time.”

Robinson was named an All-Star in 1970 with the Milwaukee Bucks. He averaged 14 points and three assists a game over seven NBA seasons.

Asked by The Times in 2008 if the 72-10 Chicago Bulls of 1995-96 could defeat the 1971-72 Lakers, Robinson answered, “I don’t think none of them could’ve beaten us.... I mean, we had a monster team.”

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.