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Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & Other Lakers Legends Pay Tribute To Bill Walton
Dec 22, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; ESPN analyst Bill Walton during the game between the UCLA Bruins and the Maryland Terrapins at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & Other Lakers Legends Pay Tribute To Bill Walton

Originally posted on Lakers Nation  |  By Corey Hansford  |  Last updated May 28, 2024 3:58 PM ET

The basketball world lost an absolute legend, icon and all-around amazing human being with the passing of Bill Walton on Monday. While he never suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers, and in fact was a rival considering his time with the Boston Celtics, he was an Southern California icon, growing up in the San Diego area and starring at UCLA.

Bill was also the father of former Lakers player and head coach Luke Walton, who has spoken plenty of times about his outspoken dad and the impact that had on his career.

Unfortunately, Walton succumbed to cancer at the age of 71 years old and the entire basketball community mourned his passing. Many took to social media to speak on the love and memories they had of Walton which is proof of the impact he had on so many people.

The Lakers, and many legends of the franchise including Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Pau Gasol and James Worthy took to social media to remember their friend:

The constant throughout these and so many other posts and messages was the love for life and overall positive man that Walton was. There just aren’t many people like him who are always looking to put smiles on peoples faces and he will forever be remembered.

Byron Scott believes 1987-88 Lakers are greatest NBA team ever

Bill Walton, of course, was a member of some of those Celtics teams in the 1980s that had fierce battles with the Lakers during that era, but L.A. was able to come out on top twice in those NBA Finals. They didn’t face off in 1988, however, instead it was the Detroit Pistons who took on what Byron Scott believes may be the greatest team of all-time.

Scott recently spoke on this, believing that the 1987-88 Lakers should be in the conversation of greatest NBA team ever. Scott noted that the team not only had star power, but was extremely deep and ultimately defended their NBA Championship from the prior season.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Lakers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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