Former Los Angeles Lakers center Elden Campbell, who also won an NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 57, according to reports from the Los Angeles Times. Tributes poured in from former teammates, including Byron Scott and Cedric Ceballos, honoring Campbell’s impact on and off the court. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

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Early Life and College Career

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Campbell attended Morningside High School in Inglewood before committing to Clemson University, where he had a standout college career. His performance at Clemson earned him a selection by his hometown Lakers with the No. 27 overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft.

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Lakers Career: Rising Through the Ranks

Campbell’s rookie season saw limited action, averaging just 7.3 minutes and 2.8 points per game, yet he experienced the intensity of the 1990-91 NBA Finals, where the Lakers fell to the Chicago Bulls.

Over the next few seasons, Campbell steadily increased his contributions:

• 1991-92 Season: 23.2 minutes per game, 7.1 points per game
• 1993-94 Season: Became a full-time starter
• First Seven Seasons: Gradual improvement in scoring and rebounds

During this period, the Lakers struggled in the postseason, but changes were on the horizon. In 1996, the team acquired Kobe Bryant and signed Shaquille O’Neal, laying the foundation for a new era. However, Campbell was traded to the Charlotte Hornets before witnessing the Lakers’ dominance firsthand.

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Later NBA Career

Campbell spent seven seasons with the Hornets, including their transition to New Orleans. He later had brief stints with the Seattle Supersonics before finding a career-defining role with the Detroit Pistons in the 2003-04 season.

With Detroit, Campbell became a key bench defender, helping the Pistons secure the 2004 NBA Championship by defeating the Lakers in five games. His defensive efforts, particularly on Shaquille O’Neal, were widely praised.

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Career Achievements

Over 15 NBA seasons, Elden Campbell amassed career averages of:

• 10.3 points per game
• 5.9 rebounds per game

His Lakers tenure spanned nine seasons, during which he developed from a promising rookie into a reliable starter and veteran leader. Campbell’s career reflected resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to his teams, culminating in an NBA title with the Pistons.

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Remembering Elden Campbell

Campbell’s legacy is celebrated for both his on-court versatility and his role in pivotal playoff moments. From a young Lakers talent to a championship-winning Pistons veteran, Campbell left a lasting impact on the NBA community. Former teammates and fans continue to honor his contributions to the game and his dedication to basketball excellence.