Bob Lanier passed away at age 73. Henry S. Dziekan III / Getty Images

Hall of Famer Bob Lanier dies at 73

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 5/11/22

Eight-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer Bob Lanier passed away on Tuesday evening after dealing with a short illness, multiple sources reported. He was 73 years old.

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame center Bob Lanier, one of the game's great players and statesmen, passed away on Tuesday evening. He was 73 years old.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 11, 2022

Lanier split his 14-year NBA career playing for the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 20.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game during that tenure. He remains third in Pistons history in points and rebounds. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992.

Bill Russell on Bob Lanier. Rest In Peace, Bob… pic.twitter.com/R3CVdCvM0u
— Rex Chapman (@RexChapman) May 11, 2022

Detroit selected Lanier first overall in the 1970 NBA Draft out of St. Bonaventure. At the time, Lanier was fresh off a Final Four appearance.

Today, Bonnies everywhere mourn the passing of Bob Lanier.

A legendary @BonniesMBB and #NBA star, Bob's contributions to @StBonaventure cannot be measured and he will forever be loved.https://t.co/RknWe6krxh pic.twitter.com/mPMdGyHkjZ
— St. Bonaventure Athletics (@GoBonnies) May 11, 2022

Following his NBA career, Lanier went on to spread his love of basketball off the court and traveled the world in doing so.

"For more than 30 years, Bob served as our global ambassador and as a special assistant to David Stern and then me, traveling the world to teach the game's values and make a positive impact on young people everywhere," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "It was a labor of love for Bob, who was one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever been around."