He was one of the Lakers’ strong men in the 90s. Elden Campbella former interior minister with a 15-year career, died at the age of 57. The Los Angeles Times announced this on Tuesday, specifying that no cause of death was yet known. Elden Campbell played the majority of his career with the “Purple & Gold” between 1990 and 1998. He also wore the jersey of the Hornets, Sonics, Pistons and Nets.
Elden Campbell was a solid interior, strong defender and reliable in scoring as a regular starter with the Lakers. He had been a privileged witness to the evolution of the Californian franchise, from the end of the Magic Johnson – James Worthy era, to the advent of the Kobe Bryant – Shaquille O’Neal duo, with whom he evolved before being transferred to the Charlotte Hornets in 1999, in an exchange around Eddie Jones and Glen Rice.
It was with the Frelons that he had his best individual statistical seasons, averaging 13.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in three and a half seasons in Charlotte in an interior duty role to support Baron Davis or Jamal Mashburn.
« I especially remember his attitude, that’s why we nicknamed him ‘Easy E’ »Reacted his former teammate and childhood friend Byron Scott. “ He was so relaxed, nothing panicked him. He was going to take his time. He was just calm. He was such a good guy. »
A solid prospect at the start of his career, the Los Angeles native, however, did not become the dominant player that some might have imagined. But he was a “big man” on whom his teams could count, starting 671 times in his career and who played more than a hundred playoff games (106, including 53 as a starter).
He was notably a veteran in the squad of the 2004 champion Pistons, behind Rasheed and Ben Wallace in the rotation, and beating the Lakers, his favorite team.
« I think if he had really wanted to become good, and that’s the only negative thing I have to say about him, he would have had the potential to become a very good player. » explained Byron Scott. “ He didn’t want to be exceptional to be honest. He just wanted to play. But what a fantastic man. »
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