Larry Weinberg is a former American businessman and sports executive who is best known for his involvement in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Weinberg was the original owner of the Portland Trail Blazers, a professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. He purchased the team in 1970 and owned it until 1988.
During his tenure as owner, Weinberg oversaw the Trail Blazers' rise to prominence in the NBA. The team won its first and only NBA championship in 1977, just seven years after Weinberg took over. The championship team was led by stars such as Bill Walton, Maurice Lucas, and Lionel Hollins, and is still remembered as one of the greatest in NBA history.
Weinberg was known for his hands-on approach to team management, and was heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of the Trail Blazers. He was also known for his generosity and philanthropy, and was a major supporter of various charitable causes in the Portland area.
In addition to his ownership of the Trail Blazers, Weinberg was also involved in other aspects of the NBA. He served as the chairman of the league's Board of Governors from 1983 to 1984, and was a member of various NBA committees throughout his career.
Weinberg's tenure as owner of the Trail Blazers came to an end in 1988, when he sold the team to a group of investors led by Paul Allen. Despite no longer being involved in the NBA, Weinberg remained a beloved figure in Portland and continued to be active in the community.
Overall, Larry Weinberg's basketball career was defined by his ownership of the Portland Trail Blazers and his role in the team's success. His dedication to the team and the sport of basketball helped to establish the Trail Blazers as a major force in the NBA, and his philanthropy and community involvement made him a beloved figure in Portland and beyond.
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