Rudy LaRusso

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Rudolph Anton "Rudy" LaRusso (born November 11, 1937 in New York City , † July 10, 2004 in Los Angeles ) was an American basketball player for the Minneapolis Lakers , Los Angeles Lakers and San Francisco Warriors in the National Basketball Association . The 2.00 meter tall LaRusso played the role of the winger ("Forward"). LaRusso is considered one of the most successful Jewish NBA players and was inducted into the Jewish Basketball Hall of Fame.

Career

After LaRusso had caused a sensation in the youth leagues ("Ivy Leagues") in New York, he was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1959 in 12th place. After the Lakers moved to Los Angeles in 1960, LaRusso played the main part of his career in LA and established himself as the third best player behind the Lakers superstars Elgin Baylor and Jerry West . He played in 5 all-star games and averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds. With him LA reached the NBA Finals several times, but always lost to the Boston Celtics . In 1967 he was traded to the San Francisco Warriors and scored 20 points per game as the head of his new team in the fall of his career. After the 1969 season, he resigned at the age of 32.

Personal

LaRusso was married to Roslyn and had one son, Corey. As the son of a Jewish mother, LaRusso was one of four Jews, along with Dolph Schayes , Max Zaslofsky and Red Auerbach , who caused a sensation in the NBA. After his NBA career, he worked successfully as a player agent and investment banker. LaRusso died of Parkinson's disease at the age of 66 .

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personal data
SURNAME LaRusso, Rudy
ALTERNATIVE NAMES LaRusso, Rudolph Anton (real name)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American basketball player
DATE OF BIRTH November 11, 1937
PLACE OF BIRTH New York City
DATE OF DEATH July 10, 2004
Place of death los Angeles