Elden Campbell, 2004 NBA champion with Pistons, dies at 57
He was one of the strong men of the Lakers in the 90s. Elden Campbellformer minister of the interior with a 15-year career, died at the age of 57. The Los Angeles Times reported it On Tuesday, specifying that the cause of death is not yet known. Elden Campbell played most of his career for the Purple & Gold between 1990 and 1998. He also played for the Hornets, Sonics, Pistons and Nets.
Elden Campbell was a solid interior, strong defender and reliable scorer as the Lakers’ regular starter. He was a privileged witness to the evolution of the California franchise, from the end of the Magic Johnson-James Worthy era to the emergence of the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O’Neal duo, with whom he evolved before being transferred to the Charlotte Hornets in 1999, in the exchange for G Eddie R Jones.
With the Frelons, he had his best individual statistical seasons, averaging 13.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in three and a half seasons in Charlotte in an interior role backing up Baron Davis or Jamal Mashburn.
« I especially remember his attitude, that’s why we nicknamed him ‘Easy E’ »His former teammate and childhood friend Byron Scott reacted. ” He was so relaxed, nothing panicked him. He wanted to take his time. He was just calm. He was such a good guy. »
A solid prospect early in his career, the Los Angeles native, however, did not become the dominant player some might have imagined. But he was a “big man” his teams could count on, making 671 career starts and playing in more than a hundred playoff games (106, including 53 as a starter).
In particular, he was a veteran on the Pistons’ 2004 championship team, behind Rasheed and Ben Wallace in the rotation, and beat the Lakers, his favorite team.
« I think he really wanted to become good, and that’s the only negative thing I have to say about him, he would have the potential to become a very good player. » explained Byron Scott. ” He didn’t want to be exceptional to be honest. He just wanted to play. But what a fantastic man. »
2025-12-03 07:44:00
