Vern Mikkelsen, Basketball Hall of Famer, dies at 85

Vern Mikkelsen, the Basketball Hall of Famer for his exploits with the Minneapolis Lakers and Hamline, died on Thursday night.

Arild Verner Mikkelsen grew up in Askov, Minn., and was a standout player at Hamline during that university’s basketball glory days in the 1940s.

He signed with the Minneapolis Lakers and played 10 seasons, making 6 NBA All-Star teams and playing on 4 league championship teams.