Elden Campbell, ex-Lakers draft pick who won championship with Pistons, passes away at age of 57

Elden Campbell, the former center for the Los Angeles Lakers who later won an NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons, has passed away at the age of 57, according to reports from the Los Angeles Times.

Campbell spent nine seasons of his 15-year NBA career with the Lakers, where he was a consistent presence on the court. Tributes poured in from former teammates, including Byron Scott and Cedric Ceballos, honoring his contributions to the team. The cause of his death has not yet been revealed.

After an impressive college career at Clemson University, Campbell was selected by his hometown Lakers with the 27th overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft. He grew up in Los Angeles, attending Morningside High School in Inglewood before moving on to Clemson.

Campbells rookie season saw limited action, averaging 7.3 minutes and 2.8 points per game, though he experienced the excitement of an NBA Finals run as the Lakers faced the Chicago Bulls in the 1990-91 season. In his second season, his playing time increased to 23.2 minutes per game, and he averaged 7.1 points, showing steady improvement year by year.

By his fourth season in 1993-94, Campbell had become a full-time starter for the Lakers. While the team struggled in the playoffs during those years, the foundation for future success was being laid. The arrival of Kobe Bryant in 1996 and the signing of Shaquille ONeal hinted at a dominant era, but Campbell was traded to the Charlotte Hornets before witnessing that era unfold.

Campbell remained a solid contributor with the Hornets until 2002, when the franchise moved to New Orleans. He then had a brief stint with the Seattle Supersonics, appearing in 15 games as a reserve.

In 2003, Campbell joined the Detroit Pistons, where his defensive skills became a key asset off the bench. That season, the Pistons advanced to the NBA Finals to face Campbells former team, the Lakers. His defense against Shaquille ONeal was widely praised as the Pistons claimed the championship in five games.

Over the course of his NBA career, Campbell averaged 10.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, leaving a lasting mark as a versatile and reliable center.

Author: Grace Ellison