Growing up in Washington, D.C., Elgin Baylor’s family couldn’t afford a basketball. The first time he played hoops was with a tennis ball.
Who would have thought that he would go to become one of the greatest players in the history of the sport?
That young man went on have a place in the Hall of Fame, his jersey retired by the Lakers and, on Friday, a statue of his likeness unveiled outside of STAPLES Center.
“I can remember that tennis ball in my hand,” Baylor said. “Jump shot, it went through the hoop. It was the beginning of love and appreciation for the game that’s still with me today.