Gail Goodrich, a left-handed guard known for his scoring prowess and smooth shooting touch, made a lasting name for himself in the world of professional basketball. Born on April 23, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, Goodrich honed his skills at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played under the legendary coach John Wooden. During his college career, he helped lead the Bruins to two NCAA championships in 1964 and 1965, earning All-American honors and setting the stage for his future in the NBA.

Goodrich entered the NBA when he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as a territorial pick in the 1965 NBA Draft. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, he was considered undersized for a guard, but his quickness and scoring ability quickly dispelled any doubts about his potential. In his early years with the Lakers, Goodrich played a supporting role, learning from established stars like Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. However, his talent was undeniable, and he soon began to make a name for himself as a reliable scorer.

In 1968, Goodrich was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the expansion draft. This move provided him with the opportunity to step out of the shadows and showcase his abilities as a leading player. During his time with the Suns, he averaged over 20 points per game, demonstrating his capability as a primary offensive weapon. His performance in Phoenix solidified his reputation as one of the league's top guards.

Goodrich returned to the Lakers in 1970, a move that coincided with the arrival of Wilt Chamberlain and the continued dominance of Jerry West. This period marked the peak of Goodrich's career. He played a crucial role in the Lakers' historic 1971-72 season, when the team won a then-record 33 consecutive games and captured the NBA championship. Goodrich led the team in scoring that season, averaging 25.9 points per game, and was named to the All-NBA First Team.

Throughout the early 1970s, Goodrich continued to be a consistent offensive force for the Lakers. He was selected to five NBA All-Star Games during his career, reflecting his status as one of the league's elite guards. His ability to score from the perimeter and drive to the basket made him a difficult matchup for opponents, and his leadership on the court was invaluable to his team's success.

In 1976, Goodrich signed with the New Orleans Jazz, where he played the final years of his career. Although the Jazz were a struggling franchise at the time, Goodrich continued to perform at a high level, providing veteran leadership and scoring punch. He retired from professional basketball in 1979, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and a reputation as one of the game's great shooters.

Over his 14-year NBA career, Goodrich amassed over 19,000 points, averaging 18.6 points per game. His contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.

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