Elgin Baylor

Elgin Baylor, the first Los Angeles Lakers superstar, was a once-in-a-lifetime player who changed basketball from a methodical, ground-bound game into one played spontaneously, acrobatically, and above the rim. An innovator, influencer, dynamic scorer, and dominant rebounder, he was often copied but never equaled. On and off the court, he rose above obstacles including racism, and he faced life as he played the game he loved: powerfully, with dignity and class. He inspired his contemporaries and everyone who has played the game since. Baylor was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1977, was one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, was the NBA's number one draft pick in 1958, and was NBA Rookie of the Year in 1958-59. He made the All-NBA First Team 10 times, from 1959 through 1965 and again in 1967, 1968, and 1969, and was an NBA All-Star 11 times between 1959 and 1970. His career averages were 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds per game, and he holds the record for most points scored in an NBA Finals game with 61 in Game 5 against the Boston Celtics on April 14, 1962.

Los Angeles, California · United States