New York, NY – Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol has been named the recipient of the NBA's J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.
The award is presented annually by the Professional Basketball Writers Association and honors an NBA player or coach for outstanding service and dedication to the community.
Gasol was chosen this year based on his work with various UNICEF causes. He has been a UNICEF ambassador for seven years and has traveled the globe working with programs aimed at nutrition and education for children.
Other finalists for the award this season were Atlanta's Josh Smith, Dallas' Jason Terry and Orlando's J.J. Redick.
First presented in 1975 to Washington's Wes Unseld, other Lakers selected for the honor were Michael Cooper in 1986, Magic Johnson in 1992 and Ron Artest, now known as Metta World Peace, last year.
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