Rarely have the contents of a Lakers legend’s closet been so publicly unearthed. Never has the foundation of basketball’s greatest franchise been so available for purchase.
It’s strange, a yard sale of items spread out across the lawn by a player who spent his career with an organization that keeps everything within the family. It’s almost unsettling, this dignified former Laker placing his finest moments up for bid.
“I’m constantly getting calls from people interested in my stuff, and I finally thought, it’s time,” said Baylor, 78. “I’ve had some of these things for 60 years. It’s time to share some of them with the fans who have been so wonderful to me.”
He knows what you’re thinking. He knows you’re thinking, poor Elgin. He knows you think he is selling his life’s work because he needs the money, or he’s worried about his heirs paying an inheritance tax on the items.
He knows you’re thinking he’s desperate. But Baylor says he’s fine. He always says he’s fine.
“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.”