The entire NBA world is reeling following news on Monday that all-time great Los Angeles Lakers forward and Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor passed away from natural causes at the age of 86.
The Lakers released a statement after news of Baylor’s passing became public record.
“Elgin was the superstar of his era — his many accolades speak to that,” Lakers president Jeanie Buss said in a statement. “He was one of the few Lakers players whose career spanned from Minnesota to Los Angeles. But more importantly, he was a man of great integrity, even serving his country as a U.S. Army reservist.”
Baylor’s widow, Elaine, also released a statement following his passing.
“Elgin was the love of my life and my best friend,” Elaine said in a statement. “And like everyone else, I was in awe of his immense courage, dignity and time he gave to all fans. At this time we ask that I and our family be allowed to mourn his passing in privacy.”
The No. 1 overall pick of the then-Minneapolis Lakers back in 1958, Baylor morphed into one of the greatest players in franchise history. He earned 11 All-Star Game appearances and was named All-NBA player 10 different times.
While a tremendous talent initially coming out of Seattle University, Baylor took his game to the next level. From 1960-63, he averaged a resounding 35.3 points and 17.3 rebounds for the Lakers. Those are some of the most eye-opening numbers in franchise history.
For the Lakers, this is yet another bitter pill for the historic franchise to swallow. It was just 14 months ago that fellow all-time great Kobe Bryant and his daughter were among those killed in a tragic Southern California helicopter accident. Baylor previously spoke on Bryant’s passing and legacy within the Lakers organization.
“At first I didn’t want to believe it,” Baylor said back in February 2020. “It was a shock. I felt like I was stabbed in the heart. He was so young. He was a family man. He was doing great things in the community. I just couldn’t believe it.”
As one of the anchors of the Lakers franchise following the move from Minneapolis to Los Angeles in 1960, Baylor remained an active member of the Southern California community up until his death. That’s one of the reasons it has hit those close to the basketball world pretty hard.
This is from the unveiling of Elgin’s statue outside of Staples Center back in 2018. pic.twitter.com/4of8bFnLKM
— Bill Oram (@billoram) March 22, 2021
I don't know if there is a more unappreciated or underrated great than Elgin Baylor. Had a season when he averaged 35 & 20, then had 38 & 19 the next. Had a 71-pt game. A 61-pt game in the Finals. Did all of this at 6-5! During an era when big men like Wilt & Russell ruled #RIP
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) March 22, 2021
You cannot have a conversation about the all-time greats of the game not have Elgin Baylor in it.
— Doug Smith: Raptors (@SmithRaps) March 22, 2021
A true giant of the sport#RIP https://t.co/I7j6WVuyk0
Elgin Baylor was the bridge between the Minneapolis and L.A. Lakers, an incredible talent who played 14 seasons for the Lakers, and made the All-NBA 1st Team a remarkable 10 times. The Hall of Famer was critical to establishing a culture of winning. All thoughts go to his family. https://t.co/ht1Vux220W
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 22, 2021
One of the wildest things about Elgin Baylor's DRAMATICALLY UNDERRATED career is he never won a ring because he wasn't willing to not be great. He walked away during the Lakers' 71-72 championship season because he wasn't playing up to his own standards.
— Benjamin Hoffman (@BenHoffmanNYT) March 22, 2021
Legend. pic.twitter.com/oAOhH8jX9y
One of the all-time greats, and perhaps the best player to ever come out of the District. RIP to the legendary Elgin Baylor. https://t.co/0fQ2DjChrH
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) March 22, 2021
Rest In Peace to a legend https://t.co/HtWZRzSbTj
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) March 22, 2021
RIP to the Legend Elgin Baylor .
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) March 22, 2021
The Original Big Three: Elgin, Wilt & West! pic.twitter.com/6QCdL618OJ
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 22, 2021
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