George Mikan, nicknamed "Mr. Basketball", was a professional basketball player for the Chicago American Gears of the National Basketball League (NBL) and the Minneapolis Lakers of the NBL, the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was one of the pioneers of professional basketball. Through his size and play, he redefined basketball as a game dominated in his day by "big men". His prolific rebounding, shot blocking, and ability to shoot over smaller defenders with his ambidextrous hook shot all helped to change the game. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959. George Mikan has hand signed this Minneapolis Lakers Vintage 8x10 Photo. Pristine Bold Full Blue Signature. Athlon Sports Collectibles Certificate of Authenticity from in home signing in Minnesota, 7-20-99. Image of actual item in stock - as shown