The documentary, Raymond Lewis: L.A. Legend “Basketball’s Best Kept Secret”, reveals how Raymond Lewis was blackballed by the NBA.
Produced by Dean Prator and Ryan Polomski, the film has earned nominations at film festivals in Los Angeles and Washington, DC.
Lewis, often compared to Stephen Curry, was a high school basketball star in the 1970s, leading Verbum Dei Eagles to an 84-4 record and earning CIF Player of the Year twice.
Despite receiving 250 college scholarship offers, Lewis chose Cal State L.A. over prestigious programs like UCLA and USC, partly due to a new red Corvette from the school’s coaching staff.
In his freshman year, Lewis led the nation in scoring with 38.9 points per game, highlighted by a 73-point performance against UC Santa Barbara.
As a sophomore, he averaged 32.9 points per game, including a 53-point game to upset the third-ranked Long Beach State, coached by Jerry Tarkanian.
Drafted 18th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1973, Lewis’s NBA career was marred by contract disputes and eventual blackballing from the league.
His dominance in rookie scrimmages against first overall pick Doug Collins highlighted his potential, but contract issues led to his departure from the Sixers.
Lewis signed a three-year, $400,000 guaranteed contract with the 76ers, while Collins received a five-year deal worth $1 million.
Upon discovering that most of his $400,000 would be deferred until he turned 45, Lewis sought to renegotiate for terms similar to Collins.
The 76ers refused to renegotiate, prompting Lewis to leave training camp and attempt to join the ABA’s Utah Stars.
Philadelphia responded with legal threats, preventing Lewis from playing in the ABA.
Despite excelling in summer pro leagues, including a near 50-point average in his last NBA tryout in 1983, Lewis was never picked up by an NBA team.
The documentary features interviews with over 35 individuals, including former NBA players Michael Cooper and Reggie Theus, ex-Sixers coach Gene Shue, Orlando Magic GM Pat Williams, and former Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro.
Viewers and basketball enthusiasts have praised the film, calling it the best basketball documentary they’ve ever seen.
“Raymond Lewis: L.A. Legend” provides an in-depth look at a player whose career was derailed by circumstances beyond his control, shedding light on the darker side of professional basketball.
You can watch the full movie for free with ads on YouTube HERE. It is also available for free with ads on Tubi HERE.
