1986-87 Fleer #89 Kurt Rambis
1986-87 Fleer #89 Kurt Rambis
About Kurt Rambis
A 6'8" power forward from Santa Clara, Kurt Rambis was drafted in the third round (58th overall) by the New York Knicks in 1980, but was waived and spent a season with AEK Athens in Greece before signing with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1981. This is his rookie card. Over 14 NBA seasons (1981-1995) he played for the Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings, averaging a modest 5.2 points and 5.6 rebounds across 880 games - numbers that undersell his value as the blue-collar rebounder and defender who did the "dirty work" for the flashy Showtime Lakers. He won four NBA championships with Los Angeles (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988). Announcer Chick Hearn nicknamed him "Superman" for his resemblance to Clark Kent, and his trademark black horn-rimmed glasses and thick mustache made him a fan favorite, spawning a "Superman fan club" in the Forum stands. His most famous moment came the other way: Celtics forward Kevin McHale clotheslined him to the floor in Game 4 of the 1984 Finals, one of the era's most notorious plays. He later coached the Lakers, Timberwolves and Knicks.
Sources: Wikipedia · Basketball-Reference
About this card
The 1986-87 Fleer Kurt Rambis is card #89 in Fleer's landmark 'Premier' issue - the first nationally-distributed NBA set since 1981-82 Topps and, for many collectors, the start of the modern era of basketball cards. Because of the multi-year gap, it is the recognized Rookie Card for Kurt Rambis. He is pictured with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 1-6 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 3,110 | 100 | 1,053 | 1,423 | 356 | 178 | 0 |
| SGC | 206 | 5 | 55 | 91 | 31 | 20 | 4 |
Graded population — a scarcity guide, not a price. Snapshot 2026-06-26. Half-grades fold down (8.5→8).
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Frequently asked questions
What is the 1986-87 Fleer Kurt Rambis card?
It is card #89 of 132 in the 1986-87 Fleer Basketball set - Fleer's 'Premier' issue and the first nationally-distributed NBA set since 1981-82 Topps. It pictures the Los Angeles Lakers Kurt Rambis, and is his recognized rookie card.
Is the 1986-87 Fleer Kurt Rambis his rookie card?
Yes - the hobby treats 1986-87 Fleer as the Rookie Card for any player whose first nationally-distributed (pack-issued) card it is. Kurt Rambis had no Topps card before the set, so this is his recognized RC. (Limited-distribution Star Company cards from 1983-86 are classed as Extended Rookie Cards.)
Is the 1986-87 Fleer Kurt Rambis valuable?
Value depends heavily on grade and centering. Use the links above to check current T206 Cards inventory and live eBay listings.
Sources: the Trading Card Database, Basketball-Reference, and PSA & SGC population reports. Card data & population compiled and maintained by T206Cards.com. Page last updated 2026-08-23.