Ronny Turiaf

Forward, #21

• Born Jan. 13, 1983
• Attended Gonzaga
• Coached by Phil Jackson

Ronny Turiaf, very much in the mold of Kurt Rambis, was a Laker who became very much admired as much for his grit and desire as any numbers he put up.

Drafted from Gonzaga in 2005, Turiaf sat out most of his rookie season because of a heart condition that required surgery. He recovered and responded with solid second and third seasons in which he averaged five and six points and about four rebounds. But his greatest value was providing energy and muscle to a team many times known for playing a finesse game.