Basketball fans are witnessing a long-overdue standing ovation for one of the game’s most influential, yet often-overlooked, legends: Elgin Baylor, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 86. Think of him as the OG Showtime Laker, the guy who laid the foundation for the franchise’s dazzling legacy, way before Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hit the scene. While names like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant dominate the GOAT debates, Baylor’s name deserves a prominent spot in the conversation, and finally, he’s getting the recognition he deserves.
Elgin Baylor Finally Gets His Due
So, why the sudden surge of Baylor love? Well, it’s not exactly “sudden” for those in the know. His impact has always been undeniable, but it’s now being amplified by a significant honor. This past Friday, during halftime of the College of Idaho’s game against Evergreen State, the school officially renamed its basketball arena after Baylor.
Baylor’s journey to legendary status started in Idaho. Although he only spent one season with the College of Idaho, his impact was monumental. He still holds team records 70 years later. This isn’t the first time his alma mater has celebrated him, he was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017, alongside the team he led to the regional final. Clearly, the school recognizes the giant whose shoulders they stood upon.
From Idaho, Baylor’s star ascended to the NBA, where he was drafted first overall by the Lakers in 1958. He proceeded to carve out a career that was nothing short of spectacular. A ten-time All-NBA player, Baylor was a scoring machine, averaging at least 24 points per game in all but three of his seasons.
Baylor’s legacy is etched into the very fabric of the Lakers. His jersey hangs in the rafters of Crypto.com Arena alongside other LA legends: Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, and a dozen more. Being part of the Lakers is an honor in itself, and Baylor, along with his early Laker teammates, helped build the mystique that surrounds the team to this day. The dual recognition from both the Lakers and the College of Idaho solidifies Baylor’s place amongst basketball’s all-time greats.
