He is still regarded as one of the greatest players in California history as he led Verbum Dei High School to CIF titles in 1969, 1970 and ‘71 from the point guard position and had an 84-4 record. He was only the second person in history to ever be selected CIF Player of the Year two straight seasons. He went to Cal State Los Angeles and scored 73 points in a freshman game and averaged 39 points per game (with no 3-point shot) to lead the nation. He averaged 33 points per game as a sophomore, including 53 in a double overtime upset of #3 Long Beach State.

He was the youngest first round draft pick in NBA history in 1973 when the 6-1 Lewis was taken by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 18th selection in the first year of the “hardship draft”. He had a short NBA career, but is still a ‘street legend’ and averaged 54 points a game in the 1981 Summer Pro League featuring NBA players. The documentary, Raymond Lewis: LA Legend Film, appeared in early 2021 for viewing. He passed away in 2001 at age 48.