Former Los Angeles Lakers center Elden Campbell, a steady and respected presence in the NBA who later won an NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 57, according to the Los Angeles Times. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

News of Campbell’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from former teammates and members of the basketball community. Former Lakers players such as Byron Scott and Cedric Ceballos shared messages honoring Campbell, remembering him not only for his contributions on the court but also for his character and professionalism throughout his career.

Campbell enjoyed a standout collegiate career at Clemson University, where his size, defensive instincts, and improving offensive game made him an NBA prospect. In the 1990 NBA Draft, the Lakers selected Campbell with the 27th overall pick, bringing the Los Angeles native back home. He grew up in Los Angeles, attended Morningside High School in Inglewood, and fulfilled a lifelong dream by suiting up for his hometown team.

Campbell’s rookie season was a learning experience. He played limited minutes, averaging just 7.3 minutes and 2.8 points per game, but he still found himself on a championship contender. The Lakers advanced to the 1991 NBA Finals, where they ultimately lost to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. While Campbell’s role was small, the experience laid the foundation for his growth in the league.

That growth became evident in his second season, when his playing time increased to 23.2 minutes per game, and his scoring rose to 7.1 points per game. Over the next several years, Campbell continued to improve steadily, increasing his scoring average in each of his first seven NBA seasons. By the 1993–94 season, his fourth in the league, he had developed into a full-time starter and a reliable interior presence for the Lakers.

Although the Lakers struggled to make deep playoff runs during that stretch, the franchise was on the brink of transformation. In 1996, Los Angeles acquired Kobe Bryant in a draft-day trade and signed Shaquille O’Neal to a blockbuster seven-year contract. The team showed flashes of potential, but Campbell was not part of the roster long enough to witness the dynasty that followed.

In 1997, Campbell was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, where he continued to post solid numbers and provide veteran stability in the frontcourt. He remained with the franchise through 2002, including the transition when the team relocated to New Orleans. Later that year, Campbell was dealt to the Seattle SuperSonics, where he played a limited reserve role in 15 games.

As his career entered its final phase, Campbell found an ideal fit with the Detroit Pistons ahead of the 2003–04 season. On a team built around toughness and elite defense, Campbell thrived as a dependable bench contributor. His size and discipline were valuable assets for a Pistons squad that prided itself on limiting opponents and winning through collective effort rather than star power.

That season culminated in a memorable NBA Finals matchup against the Lakers, Campbell’s former team. Tasked with defending O’Neal, Campbell earned praise for his physical and effective defense. The Pistons stunned the heavily favored Lakers, winning the series in five games and securing Campbell the lone NBA championship of his career.

Over 15 NBA seasons, the majority of which were spent with the Lakers, Elden Campbell averaged 10.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. While he was never a headline star, he carved out a long, respected career through consistency, durability, and a willingness to embrace his role. Campbell’s legacy lives on as that of a consummate professional who contributed meaningfully to every team he played for and earned the respect of teammates and opponents alike.