Elgin Baylor (Part 2)

FHsC...wktn

11 Mar 2024

Elgin Baylor (Part 2)

Elgin Baylor's entry into the NBA with the Minneapolis Lakers marked a turning point for both the team and the league. The Lakers, struggling both on the court and financially, saw Baylor as a savior who could revive their fortunes. Owner Bob Short believed Baylor's extraordinary talents could not only elevate the team's performance but also secure its financial stability.
Baylor's decision to join the Lakers proved pivotal, as he immediately made an impact on the court. In his rookie season, he showcased his scoring, rebounding, and passing abilities, earning him recognition as one of the league's top players. Baylor's refusal to play in a road game in protest of racial discrimination further highlighted his integrity and commitment to equality.

Despite the Lakers' loss in the NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics, Baylor's exceptional performance earned him the Rookie of the Year Award and solidified his status as a key figure in the league. His arrival not only rejuvenated the Lakers but also ignited one of the most storied rivalries in NBA history between the Lakers and the Celtics.
Overall, Baylor's impact on the Lakers franchise and the NBA as a whole was immense, establishing him as a pioneer and one of the game's all-time greats.

Elgin Baylor's partnership with Jerry West, alongside the addition of Wilt Chamberlain, propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to dominance in the Western Division during the 1960s. Baylor's individual brilliance on the court continued to amaze fans and solidify his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
During the early 1960s, Baylor's scoring prowess reached unprecedented heights, with remarkable averages of 34.8, 38.3, and 34.0 points per game over consecutive seasons. His performance on November 15, 1960, stands as a testament to his scoring ability, as he set an NBA record by pouring in 71 points against the New York Knicks, accompanied by 25 rebounds. This remarkable feat made Baylor the first player in NBA history to surpass the 70-point mark in a single game, breaking his own previous record.

Baylor's commitment to the Lakers was evident even during his military service in the United States Army Reserves. Despite being stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington and only being able to play on weekends, Baylor continued to contribute significantly to the team's success. His remarkable statistics during the 1961–62 season, where he averaged 38.3 points and 18.6 rebounds per game despite playing only 48 games, underscore his unparalleled talent and dedication to the sport.
Baylor's memorable performance in Game Five of the NBA Finals, where he scored 61 points, remains a testament to his ability to deliver under pressure on the grandest stage. Despite the challenges he faced, Baylor's extraordinary contributions to the Lakers during his part-time service highlight his resilience and determination.
Overall, Elgin Baylor's impact on the Lakers and the NBA during the 1960s cannot be overstated. His remarkable skill set, combined with his unwavering commitment to excellence, cemented his status as a basketball icon and left an indelible mark on the sport's history.

Elgin Baylor's illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers was marked by both remarkable achievements and unfortunate setbacks, particularly in the latter stages due to severe knee injuries.
During the opening game of the 1965 Western Division playoffs, Baylor suffered a severe knee injury that required surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the playoffs. Despite his remarkable resilience, Baylor's knee problems persisted, hampering his playing ability and leading to further surgeries on both knees. These injuries significantly impacted his performance on the court for the rest of his career.

Despite his enduring knee issues, Baylor continued to display remarkable determination and perseverance, consistently scoring over 24 points per game in the following seasons. However, his physical limitations ultimately caught up with him, culminating in a devastating Achilles tendon rupture during the 1970–71 season.
Recognizing that he could no longer compete at the highest level due to his persistent injuries, Baylor made the difficult decision to retire from professional basketball nine games into the subsequent 1971–72 season. His retirement marked the end of an era for the Lakers and the NBA, as Baylor's contributions to the game had been immeasurable.
Unfortunately, Baylor missed out on witnessing some historic achievements by the Lakers following his retirement. The team embarked on an unprecedented 33-game winning streak, setting an NBA record, and went on to win the 1972 championship. Although Baylor's playing days had come to an end, his impact on the Lakers franchise and the sport of basketball endured, leaving behind a legacy that would be remembered for generations to come.