Los Angeles Lakers legend Elgin Baylor has decided to empty out his trophy case and auction off its contents.
The auction, which will be held Friday at 10 a.m. PT in Beverly Hills, contains hundreds of items from his days as a player with the Lakers as well as from his 20 years as an executive with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The 11-time NBA all-star has included his college All-American award, his 1971-72 NBA championship ring, a game-worn Lakers warm-up suit as well as his 1962-63 MVP Award.
Among the items are game-worn shoes from several NBA players as well as a host of signed basketballs including one from LeBron James.
There are several unique items which will be up for grabs including a colt revolver, a mounted cartoon inscribed to Baylor from former U.S. president John F. Kennedy as well as a personalized bathrobe gifted to Baylor from former teammate Jerry West.
Baylor told the Los Angeles Times that he is not holding the auction due to any financial difficulties.
“You’re thinking there’s something financial going on here, but it’s not true,” he said. “I have no financial problems at all. None of that. Seriously.”
The 78-year-old believes it is time to pass along the mementoes to others who might appreciate them.
“I’ve had so much enjoyment with these things over the years. Now it’s time to let someone else enjoy them,” Baylor said.
Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills will be conducting the auction and you can peruse all of the memorabilia in advance on their web site.
Before you start getting excited about owning any of Baylor’s items, there are reserves on most of the available memorabilia.
If you were looking to buy his NBA championship ring it will run you at least US$40,000.
