Former Laker dies at 72: Flynn Robinson, also known as “Instant Offense” on the 1971-72 served Lakers team
that brought Los Angeles its first NBA title, died Thursday. He was 72.
Flynn’s wife, Nancy Pitts-Robinson, told the Lakers he died Thursday at Keck Hospital in Los Angeles.
Called “Mr. Instant Point” by late Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn, the 6-foot-1 Robinson averaged 9.9 points and 2.2 assists in 64 games in 1971-72, helping the Lakers win an NBA-record 33 consecutive games and the franchise’s first title in Los Angeles.
“We are very sad to hear of the passing of Flynn Robinson,” said Jeanie Buss, the Lakers’ executive vice president of business operations. “Flynn played an important role on the 1971-72 Lakers team.”
Robinson averaged 14 points per game during his professional career. He was an All-Star with the Milwaukee Bucks during the 1969-1970 season and during his eight years in the NBA also played for the Cincinnati Royals, Chicago Bulls and Baltimore Bullets.
Robinson had his best season in 1969-70 with Milwaukee, averaging 21.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in 81 games and appearing in his lone All-Star game. In seven NBA seasons with Cincinnati, Chicago, Milwaukee, the Lakers and Baltimore, the former University of Wyoming star averaged 14.5 points and 3.1 assists. He finished his career in the ABA with the San Diego Conquistadors in 1973-74.
Flynn’s wife, Nancy Pitts-Robinson, told the Lakers he died Thursday at Keck Hospital in Los Angeles.
Called “Mr. Instant Point” by late Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn, the 6-foot-1 Robinson averaged 9.9 points and 2.2 assists in 64 games in 1971-72, helping the Lakers win an NBA-record 33 consecutive games and the franchise’s first title in Los Angeles.
“We are very sad to hear of the passing of Flynn Robinson,” said Jeanie Buss, the Lakers’ executive vice president of business operations. “Flynn played an important role on the 1971-72 Lakers team.”
Robinson averaged 14 points per game during his professional career. He was an All-Star with the Milwaukee Bucks during the 1969-1970 season and during his eight years in the NBA also played for the Cincinnati Royals, Chicago Bulls and Baltimore Bullets.
Robinson had his best season in 1969-70 with Milwaukee, averaging 21.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in 81 games and appearing in his lone All-Star game. In seven NBA seasons with Cincinnati, Chicago, Milwaukee, the Lakers and Baltimore, the former University of Wyoming star averaged 14.5 points and 3.1 assists. He finished his career in the ABA with the San Diego Conquistadors in 1973-74.