The Los Angeles Lakers have the privilege of calling many star athletes as their own throughout their storied career as a franchise. With the 17 championship banners raised at the Crypto.com Arena, curious fans can find an impressive gallery of players who have donned the Purple and Gold.
While even the most casual NBA fan can name players like Magic, Kobe, Shaq, and LeBron as players who brought trophies to the Lakers’ cramped trophy case, these stars couldn’t have won those titles by themselves. Players who knew their role were key for the 17 championship teams the Lakers had the privilege of witnessing over the years.
One such player is A.C. Green. The forward, best known for playing the most consecutive NBA games across multiple franchises, was a key contributor to two of Los Angeles’ championships in the eighties.
While his basketball career is nothing to scoff at, his off-court heroics earned him an impressive award from the American government.
A.C. Green receives United States Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for off-court activities
The former Lakers forward received the United States Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his efforts to improve his community and the world during and after his playing days.
The forward took to social media to talk about the award, per Lakers Nation’s Matthew Valento:
“Yesterday was an unforgettable moment in my life, as I had the incredible honor of receiving the United States Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. To be recognized in such a way is truly humbling, and I am grateful to everyone who has been part of my journey, because you don’t accomplish much in life without a great team! I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the incredible teammates and friends who took the time to support me and show up for this special occasion: Hall of Famers Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Michael Cooper and Gary Payton —your presence means the world to me. I also want to recognize Laker greats Mychal Thompson, Cedric Ceballos and Elden Campbell, who’ve shared so many memorable moments on and off the court. Your friendship and support have been a constant source of laughter, encouragement, and strength. And so may other teammates who were there in spirit… Kareem Abdul-Jabar, Shaquille O’Neal, Robert Horry, Elliotl Perry, Derek Fisher, Rick Fox … the list goes on. While this award represents a lifetime of work, I believe I’ve got a lot of life left to live. I’m not slowing down any time soon…after all, they don’t call me the NBA Iron Man for nothing! The work continues, and I plan on sprinting to the finish line, whatever that may look like. Here’s to serving, loving, and living with purpose every single day. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this amazing ride—let’s keep going!”
It was a great moment for basketball fans to see one of its former stars make an impact that goes beyond putting the ball in the basket.
Looking back at Green’s career with the Los Angeles Lakers
Green came into the Lakers as a 6’9″ forward who wasn’t afraid to do the dirty work for Magic Johnson’s Showtime Lakers teams. He earned a spot in the league’s All-Defensive teams in 1988-89 and an All-Star berth the following year.
Fans best know him for his incredible streak of 1278 consecutive NBA games. It’s almost impossible to see another player play such a high volume of games due to load management and sports science, so the athlete fans dubbed as Iron Man will keep his record for a good while.
He averaged 10.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists during his nine years with the Purple and Gold. He also played for Phoenix and Dallas before retiring with the Miami Heat in the 2000-2001 season.
For More Content
For questions and opportunities, message me at c.alamodin.writes@gmail.com. Click here for more content about your favorite NBA, WNBA, and college basketball teams!
