Lawrence "Larry" Francis O'Brien Jr. (July 7, 1917-September 28, 1990) was a former commissioner of the NBA from 1975 to 1984, helped the league gain a more secure financial footing with his political acumen and highly regarded negotiating skills. Not only did team coffers swell during his tenure, but relations between players and owners improved as well. O'Brien gave the NBA a more polished and professional profile, thanks to the solid public image he had gained during a 30-year career as a distinguished behind-the-scenes politician.
O'Brien died of cancer after surgery in Manhattan, New York on September 28, 1990.