Elgin Baylor, an iconic figure in the history of basketball, had an estimated net worth of $60 million at the time of his passing. Baylor’s wealth came not only from his illustrious playing career but also from his roles in coaching and front office positions after his retirement from the NBA. As a high-scoring forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, Baylor became known for his incredible agility and prolific scoring, setting the stage for many modern NBA stars. His post-playing career as a coach and as an executive with the Los Angeles Clippers also contributed to his financial success.
Despite battling injuries during his career, Baylor’s impact on the game was immense, and he remained a beloved figure in the world of basketball. This section delves into the key milestones and financial details of Baylor’s career that shaped his net worth.
Achievement List At a Glance
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1958-59)
- 11-time NBA All-Star (1959-65, 1967-70)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (1959)
- 10-time All-NBA First Team (1959-65, 1967-69)
- NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team (1996)
- No. 22 jersey retired by Los Angeles Lakers
- Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1977)
Elgin Baylor’s Net Worth in 2025
Elgin Baylor is one of the stars in the basket arena. He was named to the NBA All-Star team 11 times. The life of Elgin Baylor was not smooth like other NBA professionals. His life was filled with ups and downs. At the age of 86, he inhaled the last breath of his life. He died on March 22, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. Elgin Baylor’s total worth is around $60 million. All of the wealth is from his basketball career.
| Full Name | Elgin Gay Baylor |
| Date of Birth | September 16, 1934 |
| Place of Birth | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Date of Death | March 22, 2021 |
| Age at Death | 86 Years |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 225 lbs (102 kg) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | College of Idaho, Seattle University |
| NBA Team | Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers |
| Position | Small Forward |
| NBA Debut | 1958 |
| Retired Jersey Number | No. 22 (Los Angeles Lakers) |
| Playing Career | 1958–1971 |
| Coaching Career | 1974–1979 |
| Career Highlights | 11× NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star Game MVP (1959), NBA Executive of the Year (2006) |
| Total Points Scored | 23,149 (27.4 PPG) |
| Rebounds | 11,463 (13.5 RPG) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million (at the time of death) |
| Hall of Fame Induction | 1977 (Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame) |
| Spouse | Ruby Saundral Smith, Elaine Baylor |
| Children | 3 |
| Known For | High-flying athleticism, scoring prowess, and revolutionizing the game with above-the-rim play |
| Post Retirement | Vice President of Basketball Operations, Los Angeles Clippers (1986–2008) |
| Books | “Hang Time: My Life in Basketball” |
The early stage of the life
This prominent man came to the world on September 16, 1934, in Washington, DC. His full name is Elgin Gay Baylor.
Like Bill Russell, he is an African-American basketball player. So, the early life of Elgin Baylor did not pass in a smooth way. The situation was not favorable for him to grow up as a professional basketball player. At an early age, the government banned the consumption of recreation facilities for African American citizens.
School Career Stats
He was a school-dropout student. During his school life, he began to show his latent faculty for the basketball game. He was a three-time All-City player in high school. He played at the school for two seasons, from 1951 to 1952. The two years were full of the potentiality of his career. During the two seasons, his scoring record was 44 points, with an average of 18.5 and 27.6 points per season.
In the next season, he dropped out as he was not a good student. He entered into the work-life at a furniture shop. But he did not stop playing basketball. After dropping out of school, he could only compete with the black school teams.
As the first African-American, he played as a senior the next year. In 1954, he won the SSA’s Living Stone Trophy. In the same year, in another match against the old Phelps team, he scored 63 points, which is remarkable in the DC area.
Professional life
In his professional career, Elgin Baylor played for 14 years with several teams. He was lucky to play in eight NBA finals with those teams. At that time, the full-fledged faculty of Elgin Baylor was exposed. He became popular for his high-scoring style.
2020 Highlights: helped design and being a voice behind the NEW @laker jerseys, signing collectibles for #balloffame with my friend #JerryWest, connecting online with all of you, and seeing our #LakerFamily be champions after 10 years. What are your #2020Highlights?#Hello2021 pic.twitter.com/hAEtNiay71
— Elgin Baylor (@theelginbaylor) January 1, 2021
In the first phase of the career
Elgin Baylor was a man who preferred playing basketball to studying. He was never separated from basketball in his life. In his Seattle University career, he showed his performance. In the first season, he was able to attain an average of 29.7 points and 20.3 rebounds per game. His average score was 32.5 points per game in the next season. That outstanding performance led him to the NCAA championship game.
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The Minneapolis Lakers chose him as the No. 1 pick in the 1958 NBA Draft. He began to shine after taking his first steps in the NBA. The average score was 31.3 per game for three consecutive seasons, and the average rebound was 19.5 per game. From 1956 to 1957, he led the NCAA.
After leaving Seattle University, he joined NBC Art. He came to the Lakers as a blessing. Before his arrival, the condition of the likers was dying. But he changed the situation with his skill and outstanding performance. If only for him, the club would not go bankrupt.
In the mid of the career
In each of the 1960-61 and 1962-63 seasons, he set a record. With an average of 34.8, 38.3, and 34.0 points, he scored 71 points and grabbed 25 rebounds. Through his successful captaincy and outstanding performances, Elgin Baylor led the Lakers to the NBA finals seven times.
Retirement From Basketball
In 1965, he was injured, and the speed of his play slowed down. In 1970-1971, he played only two games. Next year, he went into retirement as his knee problem had not been resolved.
Elgin Baylor’s Source Of Income Details
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| NBA Salary | Elgin Baylor earned a salary as a player for the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers from 1958 to 1971. |
| Coaching and Executive Roles | Baylor served as a coach and general manager for various NBA teams, earning income from these positions. |
| Endorsements | As a high-profile athlete, Baylor secured endorsement deals with various companies throughout his career. |
| Autobiography | Baylor’s 2018 autobiography, “Hang Time: My Life in Basketball,” generated income from book sales. |
| Personal Appearances & Events | Elgin Baylor was paid for public appearances and speaking engagements at sports events and conferences. |
Elgin Baylor’s Wife, Children, and Family
He was indebted to his two brothers, Sal and Kermit. They were the inspiration for his professional basketball life. They encouraged him to have a basketball-based career. He fulfilled the dreams of his two brothers.
In 1958, he took Ruby Saunders as his life partner. However, the conjugal life could not last until his death. They were separated in 1974. Then he married Elaine Baylor.
Achievements
The bowl of achievement of Elgin Baylor is full of recognition and honors. He was the No. 1 draft pick in 1958. At the beginning of his career, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1959. He was an NBA All-Star eleven times and was a member of the All-NBA first team ten times.
Estimated Salary Table for Elgin Baylor
| Season | Team | Estimated Salary ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 1958-1959 | Minneapolis Lakers | 20,000 |
| 1959-1960 | Minneapolis Lakers | 24,000 |
| 1960-1961 | Los Angeles Lakers | 25,000 |
| 1961-1962 | Los Angeles Lakers | 30,000 |
| 1962-1963 | Los Angeles Lakers | 35,000 |
| 1963-1964 | Los Angeles Lakers | 40,000 |
| 1964-1965 | Los Angeles Lakers | 45,000 |
| 1965-1966 | Los Angeles Lakers | 50,000 |
| 1966-1967 | Los Angeles Lakers | 55,000 |
| 1967-1968 | Los Angeles Lakers | 60,000 |
| 1968-1969 | Los Angeles Lakers | 70,000 |
| 1969-1970 | Los Angeles Lakers | 75,000 |
| 1970-1971 | Los Angeles Lakers | 80,000 |
| 1971-1972 | Los Angeles Lakers | 85,000 |
Post-NBA Career Ventures
After retiring from his successful basketball career, Elgin Baylor remained heavily involved in the world of basketball and beyond. He took on various roles that highlighted his deep understanding of the game and his commitment to staying connected to the sport.
Front Office and Coaching Roles
Shortly after his playing days ended, Baylor transitioned into coaching, becoming the head coach of the New Orleans Jazz. While his coaching stint wasn’t as long or as impactful as his playing career, it showcased his dedication to imparting his knowledge to younger players. Later, he joined the front office of the Los Angeles Clippers, serving as Vice President of Basketball Operations for 22 years. His tenure there was marked by his efforts to rebuild the franchise, often facing challenges due to limited resources.
Awards and Recognitions
Despite the challenges, Baylor’s contributions were recognized, and he was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2006, a testament to his perseverance and commitment to excellence. His time with the Clippers wasn’t always easy, but he demonstrated his resilience, navigating the team through difficult seasons and building its competitive core.
Broadcasting and Media Appearances
Baylor also made appearances as a basketball analyst and commentator. His insights into the game, drawn from his rich experience on and off the court, provided audiences with a unique perspective on both players and team strategies. His work as an analyst allowed him to continue sharing his passion for basketball while educating fans and viewers.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Elgin Baylor didn’t limit his contributions to basketball alone; he was also actively involved in philanthropy. He participated in numerous charity events and fundraisers, lending his name and influence to causes aimed at uplifting underserved communities. Baylor’s efforts to give back reflected his character and his desire to make a positive impact off the court.
Authorship
In his later years, Baylor took the opportunity to share his life story with the world. He authored an autobiography that offered an in-depth look at his career, the challenges he faced, and his experiences as a pioneer in the NBA. The book also highlighted the broader socio-political landscape during his career, providing valuable historical context to his journey as one of the first Black superstars in professional basketball.
Conclusion:
Elgin Baylor was not only an iconic basketball player but also a pioneer who set new standards for the sport. His style, elegance, and innovative playmaking influenced generations of athletes that followed. Despite facing challenges in both his playing and executive careers, Baylor’s legacy as a transformative figure in basketball remains unchallenged. His contributions to the game and the example he set as a role model make him a legend whose impact transcends his time on the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was Elgin Baylor’s net worth at the time of his death?
- Elgin Baylor had an estimated net worth of $10 million at the time of his death, largely due to his successful NBA career and later roles as an executive.
- What was Elgin Baylor’s biggest career achievement?
- Baylor is best remembered for his remarkable playing style and is considered one of the best forwards in NBA history. He was an 11-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Did Elgin Baylor win an NBA Championship?
- Despite his impressive career and multiple NBA Finals appearances, Elgin Baylor retired without an NBA Championship, although the Lakers won the title the same season he retired.
- What was Elgin Baylor’s role after retiring as a player?
- After retiring, Elgin Baylor served as the General Manager of the Los Angeles Clippers for over two decades, contributing to the development of the team.
- What is Elgin Baylor’s legacy in basketball?
- Elgin Baylor’s legacy is defined by his incredible scoring ability, his role in transforming the forward position, and his influence on modern basketball’s high-flying style of play.
Over the past five years, Rick C. Nees has written hundreds of NBA players' biographies, some of which have already been published in famous newspapers. He previously worked as- Commentator, Basketball Analyst, Basketball Player, Newspaper Sports Editor, Radio sports presenter. Rick grew up watching basketball leagues. He was a state-level high school basketball player who followed all NBA events since he was a child.
