Elden Campbell, who rose to fame while playing in the NBA for 15 years, has died at the age of 57.
Life & Style breaks down everything to know about Campbell, including details about his impressive basketball career, his cause of death and more.
Who Is Elden Campbell?
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Campbell attended Morningside High School and Clemson University before he was drafted 27th overall in the 1990 NBA draft by his hometown team the Los Angeles Lakers. The decision meant a lot to Campbell, who grew up as a supporter of the team.
Campbell went on to play for the Lakers as a power forward and center from 1990 until 1999. He then played for the Charlotte Hornets from 1999 to 2002 and remained with the team when they relocated and became the New Orleans Hornets until 2003.
Campbell continued his career by playing for the Seattle SuperSonics in 2003, the Detroit Pistons from 2003 to 2005 and the-then New Jersey Nets in 2005. Meanwhile, Campbell concluded his professional career by returning to the Pistons in 2005.
Campbell won the NBA championships in 2004 with the Pistons when they beat the Lakers with a score of 100-87.
He was known for being a reliable and consistent player, and his Lakers teammates gave him the nickname “Easy E” due to his calm demeanor.
Elden Campbell Was Inducted Into the SoCal Basketball Hall of Fame
Campbell was inducted into the SoCal Basketball Hall of Fame in May 2024.
“Elden was an obvious choice of the committee from his outstanding high school, college and pro careers, then coming back to Southern California to play the first nine years of his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers,” Mike Gallups, President of the SCBBHOF, previously said of the decision, per the Clemson Tigers website. “We are proud to honor him for his well deserving basketball career.”
What Happens If You Try to Fly Without a Real ID? Here’s What We Know
Elden Campbell Died in December 2025
Campbell died at the age of 57 in December 2025, according to the Los Angeles Times.
While his death was confirmed, his cause of death has not yet been publicly revealed.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of Elden Campbell’s passing,” Cliff Ellis, Campbell’s coach when he played for Clemson, said in a statement obtained by ESPN. “… 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.”
