But when he became a 35-year-old veteran, that personality trait of his became an advantage.
He wouldn't squat over the latrine without taking a dump, stubbornly occupying the starting position without budging.
Beelman was very tactful when he talked to Thompson, saying, "You're not giving up the starting spot to Sabonis, you're giving it up to Ah Gan, and Ah Gan is giving the center position to Sabonis to play."
Since it was for Ah Gan, Thompson had even less to object to. He cheerfully took his seat on the bench, ready to enter the game when necessary, as Ah Gan's first substitute.
The Lakers' starters were Kevin Duckworth, AC Green, James Worthy, Byron Scott along with Magic Johnson.
The Lakers still had strong competitiveness, and after Jabbar's departure, their interior line tended towards a blue-collar, functional style.
But their backcourt had become exceptionally strong under Old Nelson's coaching.
