Former Los Angeles Lakers center Elden Campbell, an NBA champion known for his calm demeanor on the court, has died at the age of 57. The cause of death has not yet been revealed, leaving teammates and fans in a state of shock and mourning.
- Who: Elden “Big E” Campbell, former NBA center.
- Age: 57.
- Cause of Death: Not publicly known at this time.
- Legacy: 15-year career, won a 2004 NBA Championship with the Detroit Pistons.
A Champion’s Legacy On and Off the Court
Standing at 6-foot-11, Campbell was a formidable presence in the paint for 15 seasons in the NBA. Drafted by the Lakers in 1990, he spent nearly nine seasons with the team, playing alongside legends like Shaquille O’Neal and a young Kobe Bryant. His most notable achievement came in 2004 when he won an NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons, ironically defeating his former Lakers team in the Finals. Campbell also remains a towering figure at Clemson University, where he is still the career scoring leader.
‘Devastating News’: Magic Johnson, Teammates React
Tributes from across the basketball world poured in, highlighting Campbell’s gentle nature. Lakers icon Magic Johnson shared his heartbreak on X, calling the news “devastating.” He remembered Campbell as a “gentle soul” and a talented athlete, stating, “I loved throwing lobs to Elden because he could jump out the gym and had so much talent!”
RIP Big Easy 🙏 pic.twitter.com/0PtBnKXAmK
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 3, 2025
Former teammate Byron Scott explained the origin of Campbell’s nickname, “Easy E,” telling The Times, “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.” Cedric Ceballos, another former Lakers teammate, expressed his profound grief on Instagram, saying, “This one hurt to the bone.”
Image Referance: https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2025-12-02/former-laker-elden-campbell-known-for-his-effortless-style-dies-at-57