Breaking News
NBA legend Elgin Baylor One of the greatest basketball players of all time has died of natural causes, the Los Angeles Lakers announced on Monday. He was 86.
Baylor was selected in 1958 with the first overall pick for the Minneapolis Lakers … and spent his entire 14-year career at the franchise.
The 6’5 “forward won the rookie of the year in 1959 … and was named the All Star Game MVP the same year.
Baylor was an 11-time All Star and 10-time First Team All-NBA pick for the Lakers. He was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1977 … and his # 22 jersey was retired in 1983.
Baylor was also honored in 2018 with a statue outside Staples Center.
Baylor is one of the biggest that has yet attracted the Purple & Gold – he achieved a 4th place in points, a total of rebounds and a 6th place in the lead.
After his playing days, Baylor coached the New Orleans Jazz from 1974-1979 … and later spent 22 years as GM of the Los Angeles Clippers, earning the Executive of the Year honor in 2006.
Elgin’s wife, Elaine, released a statement about his passing, saying, “Elgin was the love of my life and my best friend.”
“And like everyone else, I was amazed at his tremendous courage, dignity and the time he gave to all the fans.”
Governor of Lakers Jeanie Buss added … “Elgin was THE superstar of his era – his many praises express it.”
“He was one of the few Lakers players whose career stretched from Minneapolis to Los Angeles. But more importantly, he was a man of great integrity, and even served his country as a reservist of the U.S. Army. He often served. only played for the Lakers during his weekend pass. “
“He will always be part of the Lakers legacy. On behalf of the entire Lakers family, I would like to send my thoughts, prayers and condolences to Elaine and the Baylor family.”
Baylor is survived by his wife, children and sister.
TEAR