Magic Johnson remembers Elden Campbell following his death (Image via NBA) It’s been a sombre 24 hours in the basketball world, with the Los Angeles Times reporting that 15-year NBA veteran Elden Campbell has died at the age of 57. Elden Campbell, a former Lakers centre who spent 8 ½ seasons of his 15-year NBA career with the Los Angeles franchise he grew up watching and attending Morningside High, passed away. Clemson confirmed his death on Wednesday morning. No reason was given. Campbell starred at Clemson from 1986 to 1990. He scored 1,880 points with the Tigers, a record that holds 35 years later, before the Lakers selected him with the 27th choice in 1990. Campbell, a Los Angeles native, spent the first eight and a half seasons of his NBA career with the team.
Magic Johnson leads heartfelt tributes as Lakers family remembers Elden Campbell’s calm spirit
Elden Campbell, a standout center at Clemson and the school’s all-time scoring leader before spending 15 years in the NBA, died Tuesday. He was 57. Magic Johnson, a former Lakers teammate, reacted to the news on Wednesday, calling it “devastating.” Johnson wrote on X:“I just received devastating news that my former Lakers teammate and friend Elden Campbell has passed away. He was such a gentle soul. As a basketball player, he was extremely athletic. I loved throwing lobs to Elden because he could jump out the gym and had so much talent! Cookie and I are praying for his family and Lakers Nation as they mourn during this difficult time. Rest in peace Big E!”Campbell was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers out of Clemson in 1990 and played eight and a half seasons for the team before joining the Detroit Pistons, where he won an NBA championship over the Lakers in 2004.Throughout his career, the 6-foot-11 forward averaged 10.3 points and 5.9 rebounds and was well-known for his easy going nature. Johnson was Campbell’s teammate for the 1990-91 season, but he left for several years after being diagnosed with HIV. Johnson returned to the franchise in 1995-96, which proved to be his final season.Former Lakers star and head coach Byron Scott spoke with the Los Angeles Times about Campbell’s death, offering meaningful memories from their time together. Scott said: “I just remember his demeanor. That’s why we nicknamed him ‘Easy E’. He was just so cool, nothing ever rushed him. He was going to take his time. He was just easy. He was such a good dude. I loved Easy, man.”
Former Lakers teammates honor Elden Campbell’s calm brilliance and memorable Finals moment
Former Lakers teammates and friends expressed their sympathies Tuesday. The 6-foot-11 Campbell, who was drafted by the Lakers in the first round out of Clemson in 1990, averaged 10.3 points and 5.9 rebounds throughout his career. He won an NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004, defeating the Lakers. Campbell was recognized for his seemingly effortless style of play, as well as his calm and easygoing demeanor. Campbell was a reserve on a Lakers team that advanced to the NBA Finals against the Chicago Bulls in 1991, Magic Johnson’s final complete NBA season. He played six minutes in the first four games of the series before scoring 21 points in 27 minutes in a Game 5 loss, allowing Chicago to win its first championship.Also read: Is Elden Campbell a Hall of Fame? All about the NBA star as Los Angeles Lakers star dies at 57