Elgin Baylor Dead At 86: Lakers Hall Of Famer's Fans Mourn

Elgin Baylor passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles while being surrounded by his wife, Elaine, and daughter, Krystal.

Baylor, 86, died of natural causes on Monday, the Lakers announced on Twitter. He was among the all-time greatest NBA players in history and was popular for his trademark hanging jump shot.

"Elgin was the love of my life and my best friend," Elaine said. "And like everyone else, I was in awe of his immense courage, dignity and the time he gave to all fans. At this time we ask that I and our family be allowed to mourn his passing in privacy."

Baylor played one season at the College of Idaho before he transferred to Seattle University where he led the team to its first NCAA championship. He was drafted first overall by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1958.

The NBA legend averaged 24.9 points, 15.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists as a rookie en route to Rookie of the Year honors. He played 14 seasons for Minneapolis and Los Angeles Lakers earning a total of 11 NBA All-Star honors with 10 First Team All-NBA appearances. He retired in 1971 and served as a coach for the New Orleans Jazz and Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Los Angeles Clippers.

"Elgin was THE superstar of his era - his many accolades speak to that," said Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss. "He was one of the few Lakers players whose career spanned from Minneapolis to Los Angeles. But more importantly he was a man of great integrity, even serving his country as a U.S. army reservist, often playing for the Lakers only during his weekend pass. He is one of the all-time Lakers greats with his No. 22 jersey retired in the rafters and his status standing guard in front of STAPLES center."

Buss considered Baylor a part of the Lakers legacy, and she sent her thoughts, prayers and condolences to his wife and family. Meanwhile, fans flooded the Lakers' announcement with heartwarming messages for Baylor. Even NBA players, such as Pau Gasol, paid tribute to him.

"My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in Peace, legend," Gasol wrote.

"The NBA's first high flyer! RIP to a Legend... an OG! Remember, these jerseys are a tribute to Elgin. Once we're healthy, we've gotta dedicate this run to him," another commented.

"Rest in peace my brother God needed you so he called you home. To the family you will be with him when God calls on you to come home. God Bless You All," another fan wrote.

The different teams on NBA also celebrated Baylor's life by leaving a heart in the Lakers' tweet.