Bob Lanier (Part 3)

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14 Mar 2024

Bob Lanier (Part 3)

Bob Lanier's contributions to the community extended far beyond his illustrious basketball career. As the owner and operator of Bob Lanier Enterprises, Inc., he utilized his platform to promote positive messages and initiatives, particularly in the realm of education and youth development. Through his involvement with the NBA's "Stay In School" program, later renamed Read to Achieve, Lanier served as a spokesperson and chairman, advocating for the importance of education and encouraging young people to stay in school.

Following his retirement from basketball, Lanier continued his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. From 2005 until his passing in 2022, he served as the NBA Cares Global Ambassador, embodying the league's commitment to social responsibility and community outreach. Lanier dedicated his time and efforts to various youth-serving programs focused on education, youth development, family support, and health-related causes. His tireless work and dedication made a meaningful impact on countless individuals, inspiring others to give back and make a positive difference in their communities.
Through his philanthropic endeavors and advocacy work, Bob Lanier's legacy transcends the basketball court, leaving a lasting impression on generations to come. His commitment to service and his passion for helping others serve as a shining example of the power of sports to create positive change and uplift communities.

Bob Lanier's influence extended beyond the basketball court and into the world of cinema, where he made notable appearances in popular films. In the cult classic basketball movie "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh" in 1979, Lanier showcased his talent alongside his Pistons teammates, adding an authentic touch to the film's portrayal of the sport.
Additionally, Lanier's name found its way into pop culture in the iconic comedy "Airplane!" (1980), where Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's character references him in a humorous exchange. This further solidified Lanier's status as a recognizable figure in the sports world, even in the realm of entertainment.

Furthermore, Lanier's involvement as a basketball coach for the film "White Men Can't Jump" highlighted his expertise and passion for the game. His insights into the performances of lead actors Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes provided valuable authenticity to the film's basketball scenes, showcasing Lanier's eye for talent and his appreciation for the sport's nuances.
Through his contributions to both sports and entertainment, Bob Lanier left an indelible mark on popular culture, earning recognition and admiration for his skills both on and off the court.

Bob Lanier's life was marked by both triumphs on the basketball court and moments of compassion off of it. Despite facing numerous knee injuries throughout his career, Lanier remained a dominant force in the NBA, earning his place in the Basketball Hall of Fame and leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
Beyond his basketball achievements, Lanier was a devoted family man, with five children and seven grandchildren. His impact extended beyond the court, as evidenced by the touching encounter he shared about bringing joy to a fan in his final days.
Lanier's influence even extended to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, where visitors could compare their foot size to his, showcasing the remarkable size of his shoes and the stature of his career.
His passing on May 10, 2022, marked the end of an era in basketball history. Bob Lanier's contributions to the game and to the lives of those he touched will be remembered and cherished for years to come.

Honors

Induction into the St. Bonaventure Athletics Hall of Fame in 1975.
Retirement of his No. 31 jersey by St. Bonaventure University.
Selection for the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award by the Professional Basketball Writers Association in 1978.
Receipt of the YMCA's "Jackie Robinson Award" in 1981 for service to youth, good citizenship, and leadership.
Induction into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.
Retirement of his No. 16 jersey by both the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks, with the Bucks retiring his jersey in 1984 and the Pistons in 1993.
Enshrinement into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992.
Receipt of the Congressional "Horizon & Leadership Award" in 2000 for exceptional impact on the lives of America's young people.
Induction into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Receipt of the National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award in 2007 for significant contributions to civil and human rights internationally.
Naming of the basketball court at St. Bonaventure University in his honor as "Bob Lanier Court" in 2007.
Co-recipient of the 2009 "The Mannie Jackson – Basketball's Human Spirit Award" by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for passion for the game of basketball and commitment to community service.
Detroit Pistons players wearing a black stripe with No. 16 across the right shoulder of their jerseys for the 2022–23 NBA season in honor of Lanier following his death.