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Former Laker LeRoy Ellis Dies at 72

By | June 3, 2012|

LeRoy Ellis, the former first round pick (8th pick overall) of the 1962 NBA Draft has passed away at the age of 72 according to Jason Quick of The Oregonian.

After being drafted by the Lakers, Ellis played 14 NBA seasons, and was most notably Wilt Chamberlain’s backup center on Lakers during the 1971-1972 season, in which they won the NBA championship. That particular Lakers squad also won an NBA-record 33 consecutive games and finished 69-13.

Ellis was a member of the Lakers from 1962-1968 before joining the Baltimore Bullets and Portland Trail Blazers. Ellis rejoined Los Angeles in 1971, staying to win the championship with the Lakers.

Ellis passed away Saturday evening after a battle with cancer.

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  • Crystal

    My condolences to his family.

  • http://www.facebook.com/janice.mcgee.14 Janice Mcgee

    RIP Mr Ellis.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Wayne-Dougherty/1113011116 Wayne Dougherty

    RIP LeRoy. Memories of the once great Lakers.

  • AmericanRight12

    About half of the news stories that I just read identified the deceased as Flynn Robinson. How did this happen?

  • http://www.facebook.com/candy.hannan.1 Candy Hannan

    I remember when I was a little girl and I started following Pistons, Lakers, Bulls. I still follow the Lakers and love them! I am so sorry for the loss of this great man and player. RIP

  • Wayne

    Every news agency is reporting that former Laker Flynn Robinson died. Are you sure LeRoy died too?

  • Valoveth

    LeRoy Ellis actually passed away in June of 2012. Prayers for Mr. Robinson’s family and friends.