LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jamaal Wilkes’ jersey was retired by the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, putting the smooth forward known as “Silk” in company with the franchise’s Hall of Fame stars.
Wilkes was enshrined in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame this year, and the Lakers hung his No. 52 on the wall at Staples Center during halftime of their game against Portland.
Wilkes was visibly touched by the honor, choking up while thanking his fellow Lakers greats. Jerry West, James Worthy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Elgin Baylor all showed up to support their fellow Lakers honoree.
Wilkes is a California native who starred at UCLA before winning his first NBA championship as a rookie at Golden State. He was a key supporting player on three Lakers title-winning teams of the 1980s.
