Mar 22, 2021

Lakers Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor dies at 86

Posted Mar 22, 2021 6:40 PM
Baylor on the cover of a Los Angeles Lakers program on March 21, 1969 which was dubbed "Elgin Baylor Night." Public domain photo
Baylor on the cover of a Los Angeles Lakers program on March 21, 1969 which was dubbed "Elgin Baylor Night." Public domain photo

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Elgin Baylor, the Lakers' 11-time NBA All-Star, has died. The Lakers said Monday that Baylor died of natural causes in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter by his side.

With a silky-smooth jumper and fluid athleticism, Baylor played a major role in revolutionizing basketball from a ground-bound sport into an aerial show. He was the first NBA player to surpass 70 points in a game.

Lakers great Jerry West called him "one of the most spectacular shooters the world has ever seen." Baylor's second career as a personnel executive with the Los Angeles Clippers was much less successful.

Elgin Baylor was 86 years old.