Sam Lacey

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Sam Lacey (March 28, 1948 – March 14, 2014) was an American basketball player who spent most of his NBA career with the Cincinnati Royals, who later became the Kansas City Kings. He was a 6-foot-10 center and played in the NBA from 1970 to 1983. Lacey grew up in Indianola, Mississippi, went to Gentry High School, and then starred at New Mexico State University, where he set rebounding records and helped the Aggies reach the Final Four in 1970.

Drafted fifth overall in 1970 by the Royals, Lacey became a key player for the franchise as it moved to Kansas City and later to Sacramento. He was named an NBA All-Star in 1975 and was known for his rebounding and all-around game. He finished his career with 10,303 points, 9,687 rebounds, and 1,160 blocks. One of his memorable seasons was 1973-74, when he averaged around 14 points and 13 rebounds per game, and he had a 26-rebound game in 1973.

Lacey served as team captain for the Kings during the 1981 playoffs, helping them reach the Western Conference Finals. He later played for the New Jersey Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers before retiring in 1983. His No. 44 jersey is retired by the Sacramento Kings.

After his playing days, Lacey received several honors. He was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024, and he had earlier honors from New Mexico State, including the Athletics Hall of Fame, the Ring of Honor, and the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame.

Lacey died in Kansas City, Missouri, in 2014 at the age of 65.