Lacey was drafted in the first round (fifth overall) of the 1970 NBA draft by the Cincinnati Royals. In total, he played 13 seasons (1970–1983) in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Royals, Kansas City Kings, New Jersey Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Lacey was selected first overall (fifth pick) by the Cincinnati Royals in the 1970 NBA draft. He spent his entire career from 1970 to 1983 playing for the Royals, Kansas City Kings, New Jersey Nets, and Cleveland Cavaliers.