History of Lorenzen Wright in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 12, 2025

Lorenzen Vern-Gagne Wright was an American professional basketball player who played for 13 seasons in the NBA. Drafted seventh overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1996, he also played for the Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, and Cleveland Cavaliers. His career spanned from 1996 until 2009. Wright's life came to a tragic end when he was murdered in 2010, and the investigation and subsequent trial drew considerable media attention.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 4, 1975: Lorenzen Wright's Birth

On November 4, 1975, Lorenzen Vern-Gagne Wright was born. He would later become a professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

1996: Drafted by Los Angeles Clippers

In 1996, Lorenzen Wright was drafted seventh overall by the Los Angeles Clippers out of the University of Memphis.

April 26, 1997: Postseason Career-High

On April 26, 1997, during his rookie season, Wright scored a postseason career-high of 17 points in a game against the Utah Jazz.

December 26, 1997: Season-High Scoring

On December 26, 1997, Wright scored a season-high 32 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

1999: Moved to the Atlanta Hawks

In 1999, Wright moved on to the Atlanta Hawks.

2000: Career High Average

During the 2000-01 NBA season Wright averaged a career high 12.4 points per game with the Atlanta Hawks.

2000: Financial Assistance to Travis Butler

In 2000, Lorenzen Wright, along with other Memphis NBA players, provided financial assistance to Travis Butler, a Memphis orphan.

June 27, 2001: Traded to Memphis Grizzlies

On June 27, 2001, Wright was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

January 6, 2003: Win Over the New Orleans Hornets

On January 6, 2003, Wright scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in a 106-102 win over the New Orleans Hornets.

March 2003: Sierra Simone Wright Scholarship Fund

In March 2003, Wright founded the Sierra Simone Wright Scholarship Fund after the death of his infant daughter.

2003: Returned to University of Memphis

In 2003, Wright returned to the University of Memphis to finish his degree.

2006: Returned to Hawks

In 2006, Wright returned to the Atlanta Hawks.

February 16, 2008: Traded to Sacramento Kings

On February 16, 2008, Lorenzen Wright was part of a multiplayer trade, going from Atlanta to Sacramento for Mike Bibby.

July 18, 2010: Lorenzen Wright Went Missing

On July 18, 2010, Lorenzen Wright went missing.

July 19, 2010: Lorenzen Wright's Death

Lorenzen Wright died on July 19, 2010, after going missing the day before.

July 22, 2010: Missing-Persons Report Filed

On July 22, 2010, Lorenzen Wright's family filed a missing-persons report.

August 1, 2010: Police Searched Home

On August 1, 2010, Memphis police searched Sherra Wright-Robinson's home and found burned pieces of metal and a letter addressed to Lorenzen Wright and her.

2011: Reward for Information

In 2011, the reward for information related to Lorenzen Wright's killing stood at $21,000 from various sources.

November 9, 2017: Murder Weapon Found

On November 9, 2017, the gun believed to have been used to murder Lorenzen Wright was found in a lake in Walnut, Mississippi.

December 5, 2017: Billy Turner Indicted

On December 5, 2017, Billy R. Turner was indicted on first-degree murder charges related to the death of Lorenzen Wright.

December 15, 2017: Sherra Wright-Robinson Arrested

On December 15, 2017, Lorenzen Wright's ex-wife, Sherra Wright-Robinson, was arrested in Riverside, California, in connection with his murder.

December 2017: Ex-Wife Charged with Facilitating Murder

In December 2017, Lorenzen Wright's ex-wife, Sherra Wright-Robinson, was charged with facilitating his murder.

July 25, 2019: Wright-Robinson Pleaded Guilty

On July 25, 2019, Wright-Robinson pleaded guilty to facilitation of first-degree murder and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

March 2022: Billy Ray Turner Convicted

In March 2022, Billy Ray Turner was convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and attempted first-degree murder in Lorenzen Wright's case.