Lafayette “Fat” Lever was born on August 18, 1960, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. His family moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he grew up and developed a passion for basketball. Lever attended Pueblo High School in Tucson, where he became a standout player.
Lever continued his basketball career at Arizona State University. He excelled as a guard and attracted the attention of NBA scouts. In 1982, he was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers. Lever played one season with the Trail Blazers before being traded to the Denver Nuggets. With the Nuggets, he became known for his all-around skills and tenacity on the court. He recorded numerous triple-doubles and was selected to two NBA All-Star games.
In 1990, Lever was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he played until 1994. After retiring from professional basketball, Lever remained involved in the sport. He served as the director of player development for the Sacramento Kings and worked as an analyst for Kings radio broadcasts.
Lever maintained a connection to Tucson throughout his life. He often visited his hometown and supported local basketball programs. His achievements in the NBA and his commitment to player development left a lasting impact on the sport.
Lafayette Lever’s career is marked by his contributions to basketball and his connection to Tucson. His dedication to the game and his efforts to mentor young players continue to inspire many. His legacy as a player and mentor is well respected in the basketball community.
