Sad news out of the basketball world with the news that basketball icon Bob Lanier has passed away at the age of 73. The legendary basketball player spent his college career with the St. Bonaventure Bonnies. He spent most of his NBA career with the Detroit Pistons and then ended his career with the Milwaukee Bucks. In a statement from the NBA, the cause of death was listed as a short illness. Lanier was one of the best players from the 1970s and a Hall of Famer.
Bob Lanier was known throughout the community for his generosity and kindness. His legacy is forever enshrined in the rafters at Fiserv Forum.
We send our deepest condolences to Bob’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/gzilLACgdN
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) May 11, 2022
In his Hall of Fame NBA Career, Bob Lanier averaged 20.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. He paired those stellar numbers with a field goal percentage of 51.4 percent. Lanier also retired as an eight-time all-star and was later inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. His legendary career helped define what it meant to be a big man in the NBA. He is still considered a top player for the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks.
The Detroit #Pistons mourn the loss of Bob Lanier, one of the greatest players to ever wear the red, white and blue. We extend heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family, friends and our extended Pistons and NBA family. #RIPDobber pic.twitter.com/8WDeT3jV0y
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) May 11, 2022
Adam Silver released the following statement following the passing of Lanier: “For more than 30 years, Bob served as our global ambassador and as a special assistant to David Stern and then me, traveling the world to teach the game’s values and make a positive impact on young people everywhere, it was a labor of love for Bob, who was one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever been around.”
We here at Def Pen Sports have the friends and family of Bob Lanier in our thoughts.
