In his first season, 1974-75, he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. He was a member of four NBA championship teams – one with Golden State in 1975 and three with the Showtime Lakers (1980, 1982, 1985).

Wilkes played well without needing the ball in his hands. He was a threat shooting from outside, and was also able to drive inside. He had an unorthodox jump shot, which he developed as a child to be able to compete against bigger kids on the playground.