NBA legend Elgin Baylor dies at age 86 after a celebrated 14-year Hall of Fame career

NBA legend Elgin Baylor has passed away at age 86.

The Lakers – the team he played for across 14 seasons in both Minneapolis and Los Angeles – confirmed the news on Monday. 

‘Elgin as the love of my life and my best friend,’ his wife Elaine said in a statement. ‘And like everyone else, I was in awe of his immense courage, dignity ad the time he gave to all fans. At this time we ask that I and our family be allowed to mourn his passing in privacy. 

‘Elgin was THE superstar of his era – his many accolades speak to that,’ said Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said in a statement. ‘He was one of the few Lakers players whose career spanned from Minneapolis to Los Angeles. 

‘But more importantly he was a man of great integrity, even serving his country as a U.S. Army reservist, often playing for the Lakers only during his weekend pass. He is one of the all-time Lakers greats with his No. 22 jersey retired in the rafters and his statue standing guard in front of STAPLES Center. He will always be part of the Lakers legacy. On behalf of the entire Lakers family, I’d like to send my thoughts, prayers and condolences to Elaine and the Baylor family.’ 

NBA legend Elgin Baylor has passed away at age 86. The Lakers – the team he played for across 14 seasons in both Minneapolis and Los Angeles – confirmed the news on Monday