He was twice named a high school All-American by Parade[2] and was Los Angeles city player of the year as a senior in 1963.

Lacy chose to attend hometown University of California, Los Angeles, and play for future Hall of Fame coach John Wooden.

After a strong junior season, Lacy redshirted what would have been his senior year with a broken leg in 1966–67 as the Bruins won their third championship.

Upset with Wooden's public comments implying that he did not want back into the game, Lacy quit the team three days later, missing what would be another UCLA championship run.

[6] Prior to the next season, he retired from professional basketball, stating his intention to return to college to pursue a law degree.