Lakers icons Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and several other legendary figures from the franchise came together to honor the memory of Bill Walton. Although he never played for the Los Angeles Lakers, his ties to the region, growing up in San Diego and attending UCLA, made him a beloved figure. As the father of former Lakers player and coach Luke Walton, Bill’s impact on the basketball world extended beyond his own playing days.
Bill’s passing at the age of 71 due to cancer prompted an outpouring of love and memories from across the basketball community, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and share anecdotes about him. Lakers greats such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Pau Gasol, and James Worthy joined in honoring their friend.
What stood out in the tributes was Bill’s infectious love for life and his unwavering positivity, traits that endeared him to so many. His ability to bring smiles to people’s faces left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
While Bill Walton was known for his time with the Boston Celtics, where he engaged in fierce battles with the Lakers in the 1980s NBA Finals, the Lakers’ triumphs in 1980 and 1985 still resonate. Byron Scott, a former Lakers player, recently made a case for the 1987-88 Lakers being considered among the greatest NBA teams ever. Scott highlighted the team’s depth, star power, and successful defense of their NBA Championship from the previous season as reasons for their inclusion in such discussions.
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