Remembering Elden Campbell: A Lakers Legend and Fan Favorite
Former Lakers center Elden Campbell, who played 8 ½ seasons of his 15-year NBA career with the Los Angeles team he watched while growing up in the city and attending Morningside High, has passed away at the age of 57. The cause of death is not known at this time.
Campbell’s former teammates and friends, including Byron Scott, have offered their condolences and shared fond memories of the beloved player. Scott, who grew up in Inglewood and attended Morningside High, remembered Campbell’s calm and easy-going demeanor, which earned him the nickname “Easy E.” “He was just so cool, nothing speeding him up,” Scott said in an interview. “He was going to take his time. He was just easy. He was such a good dude. I loved Easy, man.”
Lakers center Elden Campbell dunks over Trail Blazers center Arvydas Sabonis during a game on April 25, 1997, at the Forum.
(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
A Career of Ups and Downs
Campbell averaged 10.3 points and 5.9 rebounds over his 15-year NBA career, which included stints with the Lakers, Detroit Pistons, and Charlotte Hornets. He won an NBA championship with the Pistons in 2004, defeating his former team, the Lakers, in the finals. Campbell’s best season was with the Hornets, where he averaged 15.3 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.
Despite his impressive statistics, Campbell’s career was marked by periods of inconsistency and underachievement. Scott noted that Campbell had the potential to be a great player, but lacked the drive to put in the extra work required to reach the top level. “He just wanted to play,” Scott said. “He didn’t want to be great, to be honest with you. He just wanted to play. But what a good guy.”
Cedric Ceballos, another former Lakers teammate, expressed his sadness at the news of Campbell’s passing on Instagram, saying “This one hurt to the bone. Grew up as kids together.” Campbell was also part of the 2025 SoCal Basketball Hall of Fame Class, a testament to his enduring legacy in the basketball community.
A Lasting Legacy
While Campbell may not have achieved the level of greatness that some expected of him, he remains a beloved figure in the basketball world. His effortless style of play and calm demeanor on and off the court earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and fans. As the basketball community mourns the loss of this talented player, his legacy will live on through the memories of those who knew him and the countless fans who watched him play.
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Image Source: www.latimes.com
