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Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers History > This Day In Lakers History: Gail Goodrich Returns To Franchise Via Trade With Phoenix Suns
Lakers History

This Day In Lakers History: Gail Goodrich Returns To Franchise Via Trade With Phoenix Suns

Matthew Moreno
Published: 05/20/2025
2 Min Read
Gail Goodrich, Lakers
Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
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On May 20, 1970, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Gail Goodrich in a trade with the Phoenix Suns. The deal returned Goodrich to the franchise that selected him in the 1965 NBA Draft.

After breaking into the league with the Lakers for three seasons, Goodrich spent two years with the Suns before the trade. Of his 14-year career, the five-time All-Star spent nine with the Lakers, two with the Suns and three playing for the Utah Jazz.

He’s most remembered for helping lead the vaunted 1972 Lakers who produced a 33-game winning streak and went on to win an NBA championship, the franchise’s first since 1954, and later being traded for draft picks that netted Magic Johnson.

During his time with L.A., Goodrich averaged 19 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He exceeded those during the championship season, averaging 25.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists.

The 1971-72 season marked the start of four consecutive All-Star Game selections for Goodrich, and he also earned All-NBA honors in 1973-74.

Gail Goodrich records and accomplishments

The Lakers retired Goodrich’s No. 25 jersey on Nov. 20, 1996. He ranks among the all-time leaders in several categories, including total points (sixth with 13,044), assists (seventh, 2,863), free throws made (seventh, 2,830) and games played (ninth, 687).

Goodrich holds the Los Angeles franchise record for consecutive free throws made, knocking down 40 in a row on two separate occasions. Goodrich was inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.

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TAGGED:Gail GoodrichLos Angeles LakersPhoenix Suns
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers games, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
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