Elgin Baylor was an American basketball player, coach, and executive who is best known for his time with the Minneapolis / Los Angeles Lakers. He played 14 seasons in the NBA and is remembered as one of the greatest players in basketball history.
Personal and Family Life
Elgin Baylor was born on September 16, 1934, in Washington, D.C. He was married three times and had three children: Alan, Alison, and Krystle. He filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Clippers for discrimination, claiming he was unfairly paid compared to other general managers in the NBA.
Career Highlights
Baylor was the No. 1 draft pick in 1958 and won NBA Rookie of the Year in 1959. He was an 11-time NBA All-Star and a 10-time member of the All-NBA first team, known for his incredible shooting skills and acrobatic movements on the court. In 1977, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Death and Legacy
Elgin Baylor passed away on March 22, 2021, in Los Angeles, California, due to natural causes. He left behind a legacy as one of the most influential players in the NBA, with many considering him a pioneer of the small forward position. His impact on the game continues to be felt by players and fans alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Goin’ Back to Indiana | 1971-09-19 | Self |
| The White Shadow | 1978-11-27 | Elgin Baylor |
| Buck Rogers in the 25th Century | 1979-09-20 | Olympian |
| Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In | 1967-09-09 | Self |
| Bill Russell: Legend | 2023-02-08 | Self (archive footage) |
| Basketball: A Love Story | 2018-09-18 | Self |