Amid the ongoing playoffs, the basketball world received sad news when it was announced that the legendary Bill Walton passed away. A Hall of Famer known for his time with the Portland Trail Blazers, Walton died at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer. His passing was mourned by many, LeBron James included. On X, the Trail Blazers put out a tribute video for Walton, and James decided to share the two-minute clip.
“REST IN PARADISE BIG RED,” James captioned, while adding heart, praying hand and saluting emojis.
Bill Walton's storied career
Walton's career could be described as “complete;” the center found plenty of success in both the amateurs and the pros. During his tenure with UCLA, Walton won back-to-back championships in 1972 and 1973. In his first title victory, Walton's 44 points set the record for the most points scored by a player in an NCAA Division I championship game. Throughout his tenure with the Bruins, Walton won the National College Player of the Year award thrice. His number 32 was eventually retired by UCLA basketball.
The big man then moved up to the pros in 1974, where he was the top overall pick of that year's NBA draft. Despite being plagued with foot injuries throughout his career, Walton still saw action in a total of 10 seasons, where he won an NBA title with the Trail Blazers (1977) and the Boston Celtics (1986).
His prime years were spent with Portland. Walton was named MVP during the 1977-78 season. That year, he averaged 18.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.5 blocks per game. In the season prior, when he won the championship (1976-77), Walton was named the finals MVP after tallying 18.5 points and 19.0 boards in six games against the Philadelphia 76ers.
He had a lesser role with the Celtics, but Walton still managed to win Sixth Man of the Year in Boston's 1985-86 campaign — the same season where he won his second title.
By the end of his career, Walton's number 32 was also retired by the Trail Blazers. He was named to the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams.
Other Laker legends react to Bill Walton's passing
Besides LeBron James, other well-known players who donned the purple and gold also paid their respects to the late center.
Magic Johnson, who's had his fair share of battles with Walton, put out a long post on X.
“Rest in peace to a friend, 2x NBA Champion, Hall of Famer, and one of the most skilled centers we’ve ever seen, Bill Walton!” Johnson wrote to open his message.
Magic then touched on Walton's first NCAA championship and skillfulness as a big man.
Another legend who paid his respects was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who posted a picture of himself and Walton along with a message embedded in the pic.
“Today I had to say goodbye to a great friend that I will always miss,” Abdul-Jabbar captioned his post.
Bill Walton's impact on the game and larger-than-life personality will always be remembered by many, and he now leaves behind a legacy that cements him as one of the greatest bigs to ever do it.
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