NBA star Elden Campbell passed away at the age of 57 on Monday. Known as the Big E among teammates and fans, the 6.11 foot Campbell played 8.5 seasons of his 15 years NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was hailed for his effortless style in the game.

While playing alongside the likes of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant for the Lakers during the 1996-97 season, Campbell averaged 14.9 points per game. He played in 1,044 NBA games, earning over 10,000 points with 10.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

Before retiring in 2005 Campbell gigged with other teams including New Orleans Hornets, Seattle Supersonics and New Jersey Nets

In a statement released, his family remarked,

“He was a man to whom family meant everything—generous, funny, disciplined, and kind, but he could shut you down if required. A man of God, he passed doing what he loved: fishing out on the ocean, enjoying his idea of an ideal day.”

RIP Big Easy 🙏 pic.twitter.com/0PtBnKXAmK
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 3, 2025

Remembering Elden Campbell (1968-2025) pic.twitter.com/gEUNDbjLrX
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) December 4, 2025

The NBA mourns the passing of Elden Campbell (1968-2025). The No. 27 overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft, Elden played 15 NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, New Orleans Hornets, Seattle SuperSonics, Detroit Pistons and New Jersey Nets. Campbell won an NBA… pic.twitter.com/fHVe7DJV8b
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) December 3, 2025

The Detroit Pistons lost a legend today: Elden Campbell.

He had such an underrated run with the Pistons — tough post defense, veteran leadership, and huge playoff minutes when it mattered most. Pistons fans will always remember everything you did on and off the court. RIP 🙏… pic.twitter.com/n4QXgltLoJ
— Pistons Talk (@Pistons__Talk) December 3, 2025

RIP Elden Campbell 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/smfm7El57z
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) December 3, 2025

Devastated fans and friends took to social media and offered their tributes

Magic Johnson commented on X/Twitter

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!

Former teammate and twice NBA champion Mychal Thompson wrote, “Appreciate every day, my friends…” My buddy and teammate… Elden Campbell ONLY 57… Gone Too Soon… Elden was a nice, nice guy…”

“RIP, Lakers tried to pair him with Shaq initially, but the chemistry wasn’t there. Elden was a part of that fun pre-Kobe/Shaq era that didn’t have the championship ceiling but was well-loved in LA,” wrote Eric Pincus.

Amateur Baseball historian on X/Twitter Keith Black Trudeau remarked,

Elden was 35 and at the end of his career when Detroit picked him up to little fanfare, but Larry Brown knew what he was getting. Everyone that remembers the 2004 playoffs understands the value he brought. He gave the team everything he had left to win a championship. RIP Big E.

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…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 3, 2025

Appreciate evry day my frends…My buddy n teammate…Elden Campbell ONLY 57…Gone Too Soon…Elden was a nice nice guy…🙏🏽😞😔😢
— Mychal Thompson (@champagnennuts) December 3, 2025

RIP, Lakers tried to pair him with Shaq initially, but the chemistry wasn’t there. Elden was a part of that fun pre-Kobe/Shaq era that didn’t have the championship ceiling but was well-loved in LA https://t.co/qmY3xSmDYE
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) December 3, 2025

Elden was 35 and at the end of his career when Detroit picked him up to little fanfare, but Larry Brown knew what he was getting. Everyone that remembers the 2004 playoffs understands the value he brought. He gave the team everything he had left to win a championship.

RIP Big E. https://t.co/372NPuVZEg
— Keith Black Trudeau (@Charlottean28) December 3, 2025

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