George Mikan 1947-48 Minneapolis Lakers Road Jersey

The pioneering professional basketball career of George Lawrence Mikan, Jr., nicknamed “Mr. Basketball”, was spent with the Chicago American Gears of the NBL and the Minneapolis Lakers of the NBL, the BAA and the NBA. Playing with thick, round spectacles, the 6'10", 245 lbs. Mikan redefined his sport as a game of so-called big men with his prolific rebounding, shot blocking and his talent to shoot over smaller defenders with his ambidextrous hook shot. An indomitable force, whose game was ahead of it’s time, Mikan won seven NBL, BAA and NBA championships, an All-Star MVP trophy, three scoring titles and was a member of the first four NBA All-Star and the first six All-BAA and All-NBA Teams. Mikan’s level of dominance forced several rule changes in the NBA, among them widening the foul lane - known as the "Mikan Rule" - and introducing the shot clock. After his player career, Mikan became one of the founding fathers of the ABA, and was also vital for the forming of the Minnesota Timberwolves. In his later years, Mikan fought a long-standing legal battle against the NBA, fighting against the meager pensions for players who had retired before the league became lucrative. Mikan, who paved the way for the multi-million dollar contracts enjoyed by today’s NBA stars, tragically became a martyr of his own cause when he died in poverty after a long-standing battle against diabetes. For his feats, Mikan was declared "Greatest Basketballer in the First Half-Century" by the The Associated Press in 1950, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959, made the 25th and 35th NBA Anniversary Teams of 1970 and 1980 and was elected one of the NBA 50 Greatest Players in 1996. Mikan’s 1947-48 Minneapolis Lakers NBL road jersey features the team’s initials "MPLS." across the front. Mikan’s number "99" appears on both the front and back of the shirt. The letters and numbers are made of gold matte tackle twill with the body made of a blue wool material. Representing a season in which Mikan led the Lakers to the NBL Championship, the jersey originates from Mikan's daughter who received the jersey from her father. It shows evidence of game-use and appears to have no alterations of any kind. LOAs from MEARS (A8) and Grey Flannel.