Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is detailed information about Jamaal Wilkes:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Jamaal Abdul-Lateef Wilkes (born Jackson Keith Wilkes)
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on May 2, 1953
  • Hometown: Berkeley, California, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters)
  • Weight: 190 pounds (86 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters)
  • Shoe Size: 14 (US)
  • Number: Wore 52 and 41 during his career
  • Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
  • High School:
    • Santa Barbara High School (Santa Barbara, California)
  • College:
    • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA Bruins) (1971–1974)
      • Played under legendary coach John Wooden.
      • Won three consecutive NCAA Championships (1972, 1973, 1974).
  • NBA Draft:
    • 1974 NBA Draft:
      • Selected 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors.
  • Teams Played For:
    1. Golden State Warriors (1974–1977)
    2. Los Angeles Lakers (1977–1985)
    3. Los Angeles Clippers (1985–1986)
  • Championship Rings:
    • 4 NBA Championships
      • 1975 with the Golden State Warriors
      • 1980, 1982, 1985 with the Los Angeles Lakers
  • Kids:
    • Jamaal Wilkes has three children:
      • Omar Wilkes: Former basketball player at the University of California, Berkeley, and a sports agent.
      • Jamaal Wilkes Jr.
      • Sabreen Wilkes
  • Siblings:
    • He is one of six children, though specific details about his siblings are not widely publicized.

Player Archetype / Play Style

Jamaal Wilkes’ player archetype was that of a smooth scoring forward, a highly efficient off-ball wing who blended graceful movement, touch scoring, and dependable two-way play without needing high-volume isolation offense. Defensively, he operated as a versatile forward defender who could handle wing assignments, use length and positioning effectively, and contribute at an All-Defensive level within team structure. Offensively, Wilkes thrived as a slashing and mid-range scoring forward who excelled cutting into space, finishing in rhythm, and punishing defenses with his famously soft outside shot rather than dominating the ball as a primary creator. Physically, he brought long arms, fluid athleticism, and a lean, coordinated build, and his overall play style was marked by balance, timing, quiet efficiency, and the kind of silky scoring game that made “Silk” a natural fit.

Fun Facts

  • Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
  • Nicknamed “Silk” for his smooth playing style and effortless scoring ability.
  • Scored 37 points in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals to help the Lakers win the championship.
  • Career averages: 17.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
  • Renowned for his unorthodox yet highly effective jump shot.

Sources:

NBA.com — Legends profile: Jamaal Wilkes
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame — Jamaal Wilkes
NBA.com — LA Lakers retired numbers