Since the 2022-23 season, the winner of the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award receives the George Mikan Trophy. And to add, the Lakers retired Mikan’s No. 99 jersey in 2022.

Mikan led the Minneapolis Lakers to five league titles in the first six years of the franchise’s history. Nearsighted with thick glasses, he was as rough on the court as he was mild-mannered off it.