Elden Campbell, best known for his 15 year career in the NBA as a center and power forward, has passed away at the age of 57-years-old.
The announcement came via an official statement from Campbell's alma mater, Clemson University, who shared the heartbreaking news on social media.
"We mourn the loss of Elden Campbell, our all-time leading scorer, All-American and three-time All-ACC player, who passed away at the age of 57," the university said in a heartfelt Instagram post.
As of yet, the cause of death for the legendary NBA star has not been made publicly known.
Dominating the college basketball court upon his four years at Clemson University, Campbell was eventually drafted to the Los Angeles Laker in 1990. In the nine years that followed, the 7-foot basketball star went on to enjoy a successful tenure with the Lakers.
In that time, Campbell shared the court with some of the prestigious names in '90s basketball history, including such fabled giants as Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal.
Cliff Ellis, Campbell's coach during his time at Clemson, shared a touching homage to the late great Lakers star.
"I am deeply saddened to learn of Elden Campbell's passing," Ellis said in a statement (People magazine). "Most of all, Elden was an outstanding, giving person. This is a sad day for the Clemson family. Elden loved Clemson, he came back and supported the program after he retired. He exemplified what Clemson was all about."
In addition to Ellis, several former Lakers players shared their own fond memories of their former team member.
"This one hurt to the bone," former Lakers forward Cedric Ceballos wrote on Instagram. "Grew up as kids together. Rest BIG EASY."
Former Lakers star and retired coach Byron Scott echoed Ceballos' sentiments.
"I just remember his demeanor. That's why we nicknamed him ‘Easy E,'" retired Lakers star Byron Scott said in his interview with the Los Angeles 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. I loved Easy, man."
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