NBA Basketball Legend Bill Walton Dies At 71

LOS ANGELES, CA —Basketball Hall-of-Famer and sportscaster Bill Walton died after a long battle with cancer, NBA Officials announced Monday. He was 71 years old.

The San Diego native led the UCLA Bruins, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Boston Celtics to championship titles as a 6-foot-11 powerhouse center.

Walton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.

"Bill Walton was truly one of a kind. As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique all-around skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to an NBA regular-season and Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated on Monday.

Walston layed college basketball for coach John Wooden and the UCLA Bruins, winning three consecutive national college player of the year awards from 1972 to 1974 while helping lead UCLA to the NCAA championships in 1972 and 1973.

His incredible college career led him to be selected first in the 1974 NBA Draft, and it didn't take long for him to make his mark in the NBA. He led the Portland Trail Blazers to an NBA championship in 1977, earning the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award.

A series of leg injuries held him back, however, as he played for the Clippers from 1970 to 1985. It wasn't until 1986 that he won another NBA title in as a member of the Boston Celtics, ending his playing career on a high note.

Walton later became an Emmy Award-winning sportscaster and a fan favorite with his colorful commentary and larger-than-life personality.

"Bill translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary which entertained generations of basketball fans," Silver said.

“But what I will remember most about him was his zest for life. He was a regular presence at league events – always upbeat, smiling ear to ear and looking to share his wisdom and warmth. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took with every person he encountered.”

Walton was born on Nov. 5, 1952, in La Mesa, where he grew up and played basketball at Helix High School. The San Diego resident is survived by his wife Lori and sons Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris, according to the NBA.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.