The basketball world is mourning the loss of former NBA center Elden Campbell, a 15-year league veteran and one-time NBA champion, who has died at the age of 57. TMZ confirmed his passing on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through the Los Angeles Lakers community and across the league.
Family sources told TMZ that Campbell died suddenly on Monday. His cause of death has not been disclosed, and relatives have stated that he was not known to be ill at the time of his passing.
A Long and Impactful NBA Career
Standing at 6-foot-11, Campbell carved out a strong and steady career in the NBA spanning 15 seasons. He was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 1990 NBA Draft and went on to spend the majority of his career in the iconic purple and gold.
Campbell played 618 games with the Lakers across eight-and-a-half seasons and became a dependable presence in the frontcourt. One of his best seasons came in 1996–97, when he averaged nearly 15 points per game. Known for his consistency, he finished his NBA career averaging 10.3 points and 5.9 rebounds.
During his tenure in Los Angeles, Campbell shared the court with some of the game’s greatest legends, including Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, serving as a steady veteran presence during a pivotal era for the franchise.
Championship Glory With Detroit
Campbell captured his lone NBA championship in 2004 as a member of the Detroit Pistons, a team that famously defeated his former Lakers squad in one of the most historic Finals upsets in NBA history. He spent parts of two seasons with Detroit from 2003 to 2005, appearing in 95 games and averaging 5.0 points and 3.1 rebounds.
Earlier that same season, Campbell enjoyed one of the most productive stretches of his career, averaging 14.9 points and eight rebounds per game alongside the superstar duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
Tributes Pour in From Teammates and Friends
Following the news of his passing, tributes quickly began pouring in from former teammates and friends. Longtime NBA guard and coach Byron Scott shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, remembering their lifelong connection that began in Inglewood.
“Your nickname in Inglewood was ‘Easy E,’” Scott wrote. “We were just two Inglewood guys from Morningside High School who made it to the NBA. I played on the varsity team with your older brother Elwayne Campbell. You were a little kid I used to say ‘go sit down’ to at our practices. Then to play together for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1990 was amazing and a memory I will never forget. Rest Easy E. Gone too soon. Sending love and condolences to the Campbell family.”
Former Lakers forward Cedric Ceballos and other NBA figures also paid tribute to Campbell’s legacy and character.
A Lasting Legacy
Campbell earned the nickname “Easy E” for his smooth, effortless playing style, calm demeanor and steady locker room leadership. Earlier this year, he was honored as a 2025 inductee into the Southern California Basketball Hall of Fame, capping off a career defined by professionalism and quiet excellence.
