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Lorenzen Wright

Lorenzen Vern-Gagne Wright was an American professional basketball player who played 13 seasons in the NBA.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Lorenzen Vern-Gagne Wright was an American professional basketball player who played 13 seasons in the NBA. A 6-foot-11 forward-center from Memphis, Tennessee, he was drafted seventh overall in 1996 by the Los Angeles Clippers and later played for several NBA teams. He died in 2010 at age 34.

Early life and college

Wright was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and attended Booker T. Washington High School. He played college basketball for the University of Memphis, where he earned national recognition before entering the NBA draft.

Professional career

Wright was drafted seventh overall in 1996 by the Los Angeles Clippers and played 13 NBA seasons. His career included stops with the Clippers, Hawks, Grizzlies, Kings, and Cavaliers.

Playing style and statistics

Wright was a large frontcourt player known for rebounding and interior play. Career summaries list him at about 8.0 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.

Death

Wright died in July 2010 in Memphis at age 34. Later reporting and court proceedings identified his killing as a homicide case that received major media attention.

Key facts

  • Played 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association.
  • Selected seventh overall in the 1996 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers.
  • Played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
  • Attended Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis and the University of Memphis.
  • Born and died in Memphis, Tennessee.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Lorenzen Wright?
He was an American NBA player from Memphis, Tennessee, who played 13 seasons as a forward-center.
What teams did Lorenzen Wright play for?
He played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
What position did Lorenzen Wright play?
He was primarily listed as a forward-center, with some sources describing him as a power forward or center.
When was Lorenzen Wright drafted?
He was selected seventh overall in the 1996 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Where did Lorenzen Wright go to college?
He played college basketball at the University of Memphis.
When did Lorenzen Wright die?
He died on July 19, 2010, in Memphis, Tennessee.

References

  1. NBA — https://www.nba.com/player/953/lorenzen-wright
    Supports: Birth date, height, position, draft selection, nationality, and experience.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorenzen_Wright
    Supports: Full name, birth and death dates, teams played for, and overview of NBA career.
  3. Basketball-Reference — https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wrighlo02.html
    Supports: Position, career statistics, college, and draft information.
  4. University of Memphis Athletics — https://gotigersgo.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/lorenzen-wright/6467
    Supports: College career, hometown, high school, honors, and scoring/rebounding details.
  5. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/959/lorenzen-wright
    Supports: Birthdate, college, draft information, and birthplace.
  6. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33971477/wife-murdered-nba-player-lorenzen-wright-denied-parole-30-year-prison-sentence-plotting-death
    Supports: Circumstances of death and later criminal proceedings related to his killing.