** FILE ** George Mikan, right, center for the Minneapolis Lakers, goes way up to make a goal as New York Knickerbockers' center Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton (8) tries to defend in this April 8, 1953 photo at the 69th Regiment Armory in New York. Mikan, professional basketball's first dominant big man who led the Minneapolis Lakers to five NBA championships died Thursday, June 2, 2005. Mikan reshaped basketball like few others. (AP Photo)