Lakers News: Former Laker Great Rod Hundley Dies

It has been a bad year for the Lakers on and off the court this season. Not only has this season been in a disaster, but the Lakers seen several of their former players die recently.

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Jerome Kersey and Jack Haley both wore the purple and gold proudly and unfortunately they were taking from us way too soon. Today, the Lakers received word that another former Laker had passed away. Rod Hundley who played with the Lakers in the 1960’s died at the age of 80 in his home in Arizona.

Lakers president and governor released a statement earlier expressing her condolences:

"Hot Rod was a colorful player and man, and an important member of the early Lakers teams in the 1960s and therefore the history of our franchise. We’re saddened by his passing, and send our condolences to his family."

Hundley was also known as “Hot Rod” and he spent six years with the Lakers. He is one of the rare players to have played in both Minneapolis and Los Angeles. He made two All-Star teams and was the number one overall pick out of West Virginia.

According to ESPN, fellow Mountaineer Jerry West was close to Hundley, especially after spending a few seasons with him as a Laker:

"“I am saddened by the news of the passing of my longtime friend, Rod Hundley,” Hall of Famer Jerry West said in a statement. “I first met Rod when I was 18 and he encouraged be to attend West Virginia University. We were Laker teammates and never lost contact."

Hundley was not only a great player, but also one of the best play-by-play announcers this game has ever seen. While he spend most of his broadcasting career with the Utah Jazz, he did call Laker games for a short span.

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