Larry Bird's place in NBA history stretches from the record book to the rule book.

A Hall of Fame player later became a successful coach and team executive. Along the way, he watched free agency transform from something rarely discussed to practically a year-round conversation - with his own name one of the talking points - and the 3-point shot go from afterthought to essential.

He will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award during the NBA Awards on Monday along with Magic Johnson, his rival-turned-friend with whom he competed in some of the most important events - they were bigger than just games - in basketball history.