Last Updated on April 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here are the details for Gail Goodrich:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Gail Charles Goodrich Jr.
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born April 23, 1943
  • Hometown: Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters)
  • Weight: 170 pounds (77 kg) during his playing career
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 2 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 11 (US)
  • Number: Wore 11, 25, and 12 during his NBA career
  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • High School: John H. Francis Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley, California
  • College: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA Bruins) (1961–1965)
  • NBA Draft: 1965 NBA Draft, territorial pick by the Los Angeles Lakers
  • Teams Played For:
    • Los Angeles Lakers (1965–1968, 1970–1976)
    • Phoenix Suns (1968–1970)
    • New Orleans Jazz (1976–1979)
  • Championship Rings: 1 (1972 with the Los Angeles Lakers)
  • Kids: Two sons, Kelly and Brent Goodrich
  • Siblings: Not widely documented

Gail Goodrich’s player archetype was that of a scoring combo guard, a compact but dynamic backcourt weapon who could create offense with pace, touch, and sharp decision-making rather than sheer size. At 6-foot-1, he was undersized by modern shooting-guard standards, yet his quickness, left-handed scoring skill, and polished handle made him a constant threat, especially from mid-range and on drives. Offensively, he operated as both a lead scorer and secondary playmaker, with the ball skills and court vision to punish defenses that treated him like a pure gunner. Defensively, he competed with energy and toughness, even if his size naturally limited his matchup range against bigger guards. His overall play style was fiery, crafty, and efficient: push the tempo, attack openings, hit jumpers, and keep pressure on the defense for a full night. (NBA)

Fun Facts

  • Gail Goodrich was a prolific scorer and a key player on the 1972 Los Angeles Lakers team that won an NBA championship and set a record with a 33-game winning streak.
  • Before his professional career, he played a significant role in UCLA’s first two NCAA championships under coach John Wooden.

Sources:

NBA.com — Legends profile: Gail Goodrich
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — Gail Goodrich
Los Angeles Times — Gail Goodrich