Former Bruin Lucius Allen Talks Hoops and Life

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Nate “Tiny” Archibald was another tough one to guard. “Nate was the real deal he could go by you and leave you grasping at air.”

After a deal that sent Allen to the Lakers he reunited with Kareem and they reached the conference finals. The following season started he asked Laker owner Jack Kent Cooke for a raise to 150,000 dollars. Cook reaction: “I speak very good English, NO!” Allen thought the subject was closed and it was. The next day he came to practice only to find out he was traded to the Kansas City.

He retired after one season with the Kings and concluded his 10- career averaging 14 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists per game. He went to coach AAU and other youth teams. He has coached pros like Spencer Dinwiddie, Baron Davis, DeMar DeRozan and others.

Former LA Clipper owner Donald Sterling was a big contributor with the Junior Clipper program. The same Sterling who was ban for life from the NBA for insensitive racial remarks. ‘When it came to kids he saw no color,” said Allen.

“He gave them shoes and nice uniforms. The Clippers always donated a lot more than the Lakers.”

Allen also worked with the NBA when the All-Star game came to Los Angeles. In 2010 he and Doctor J (Julius Erving) organized a breakfast and concert that featured Janet Jackson for the retired players as part of All-Star weekend. Laker GM Jerry West also played a major role. Allen had four boys that played college basketball and received their degrees - Geoffrey Allen-Eastern Washington, Jarred Allen attended Southern U, Kahlil Allen-University of San Diego and Bakir Allen went to UCSB. Eve his wife of more than 30-years passed early in 2022. Allen doesn’t attend NBA games but he drops by Pauley every so often to watch the team play. He inducted to Kansas Hall of Fame 2004. Life goes on for Allen. He’s in a good spot at the Bloom Café.