Lane played college basketball for the University of Pittsburgh, where he was an All-American and led the NCAA in rebounding as a sophomore.

Born in Akron, Ohio, Lane played shooting guard for Saint Vincent–Saint Mary High School and appeared in the McDonald's All-American Game.

Lane played in the NBA for five seasons with the Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Often referred to simply as "The Dunk", the play was famously called by color analyst Bill Raftery when he exclaimed "Send it in, Jerome!!

[5][6][7][8] His son Jerome Lane Jr. is a wide receiver who once signed with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL).