Elden Campbell Cause of Death: Former NBA Star Was 57

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We have sad news to report from the world of sports today:

Elden Campbell, the Los Angeles Lakers center who played alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, has passed away.

He was just 57 years old.

Los Angeles Lakers Elden Campbell shoots around Denver Nuggets Ervin Johnson  during first half action of their game 17 March at McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Co.
Los Angeles Lakers Elden Campbell shoots around Denver Nuggets Ervin Johnson during first half action of their game 17 March at McNichols Sports Arena in Denver, Co. (Photo credit should read DOUG COLLIER/AFP via Getty Images)

No cause of death has been revealed at this time.

We’ll have further updates on that aspect of this developing story as new information becomes available.

A fan favorite taken far too soon

An LA native, Campbell was drafted 27th overall by the team he grew up cheering for.

Over the next 15 years, Campbell became a fan favorite, building a career that the NBC describes as one of “quiet excellence.”

Elden Campbell of the Los Angeles Lakers during the Lakers 129-83 loss to the Portland Trailblazers in Portland, Oregon.
Elden Campbell of the Los Angeles Lakers during the Lakers 129-83 loss to the Portland Trailblazers in Portland, Oregon. (Otto Greule/ALLSPORT)

Campbell’s laid-back demeanor made him as popular with the Lakers faithful as his performance on the court.

In 2004, Campbell won an NBA championship during his time with the Detroit Pistons.

In the press and across social media, family, friends, and a legion of devoted fans have paid loving tribute to this gentle giant.

A towering figure, on and off the court

“I just remember his demeanor. That’s why we nicknamed him ‘Easy E,’” former Laker Byron Scott told the LA Times today (via Yahoo! Sports), adding:

“He was just so cool, nothing speeding him up. He was going to take his time. He was just easy. He was such a good dude. I loved Easy, man,”

Elden Campbell #5 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on the court during the game against the Washington Wizards at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. the Hornets defeated the Wizards 103-89.
Elden Campbell #5 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on the court during the game against the Washington Wizards at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. the Hornets defeated the Wizards 103-89. (Photo Credit: Jamie Squire /Allsport)

“We mourn the loss of Elden Campbell, our all-time leading scorer, All-American and three-time All-ACC player, who passed away at the age of 57,” wrote the official Clemson basketball X account.

I’ve been laying in bed crying for the last 40 minutes. I can’t believe this and I’m just so damn sad,” one Pistons fan wrote, adding:

“Elden Campbell was so important to the 2004 & 2005 Pistons. He always had and always will have a special place in my heart and I am just gutted by this news. Love you, 41.”

Our thoughts go out to Elden Campbell’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

Elden Campbell Cause of Death: Former NBA Star Was 57 was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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