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LaMarcus Aldridge Named Recipient Of 2014-15 Maurice Lucas Award

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Trail Blazers forward/center LaMarcus Aldridge has been selected as the recipient of the 2014-15 Maurice Lucas Award, the team announced today. The Trail Blazers will present Aldridge with the award prior to tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

It is the second Maurice Lucas Award for Aldridge, who won the inaugural honor in 2010-11. The award is given annually to the Trail Blazers player who best represents the indomitable spirit of Maurice Lucas through his contributions on the court and in the community, as well as in support of his teammates and the organization. In honor of the award, the Trail Blazers will make a $5,000 donation to the charity of Aldridge’s choice. “LaMarcus has been a warrior this season, playing through injury and adversity to help the team back to the playoffs in a very competitive Western Conference,” said President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey. “His hard work, dedication and performance embody the Maurice Lucas Award.”

Playing through an injured left thumb, Aldridge is averaging a career-high 23.5 points (46.8% FG, 36.3% 3PT, 84.7% FT) to go with 10.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists this season en route to his fourth consecutive NBA All-Star appearance.

Aldridge passed Clyde Drexler as the all-time leading rebounder in Trail Blazers history (5,381) this season, while moving into second place in scoring (12,428), trailing only Drexler. The franchise leader in double-doubles (232), Aldridge passed Sidney Wicks for first place on Feb. 5.

A two-time NBA Western Conference Player of the Week this season, Aldridge became the second player in franchise history to tally 5,000 field goals March 18 at Miami.

“LaMarcus continues to solidify his place among the greatest in Trail Blazers history, both in his play on the court and his overall commitment to our Portland community,” said Chris McGowan, Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter President & CEO. “The Lucas Award annually salutes a player whose body of work exemplifies the greatness of Maurice Lucas. We are proud to recognize LaMarcus as the award’s 2015 recipient.”

The Trail Blazers dedicated the 2010-11 season to former Trail Blazers All-Star Maurice Lucas after he passed away on October 31, 2010 at the age of 58. A beloved member of the franchise and the community, "The Enforcer" was a central figure on the Trail Blazers 1976-77 NBA Championship team. The Trail Blazers honored Lucas by retiring his uniform number (No. 20) on Nov. 4, 1988.

He averaged 15.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 0.72 blocked shots over five seasons (1976-80, 1987-88) in Portland. During Portland's 1976-77 NBA Championship season, Lucas led the team in scoring (20.2), field goals made (8.0), free throws made (4.2), offensive rebounds (2.4) and minutes (36.2).

Selected to the All-Star Game in three straight seasons from 1977-79, Lucas is one of five three-time All-Stars in Trail Blazers history (LaMarcus Aldridge, Clyde Drexler, Brandon Roy, Sidney Wicks). He most recently served as an assistant coach with the Trail Blazers for five seasons from 2005-10, and previously in 1988-89.

Trail Blazers Owner Paul Allen will present the award to Aldridge following team introductions tonight.

MAURICE LUCAS AWARD WINNERS2014-15 – LaMarcus Aldridge2013-14 – Robin Lopez2012-13 – Damian Lillard2011-12 – Wesley Matthews2010-11 – LaMarcus Aldridge