“On behalf of the entire Lakers organization, I’d like to express our sadness at the passing of George Mikan, as well as to send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to the Mikan family,” said Buss.
“George was the first of many Lakers superstar players, blazing the trail for others such as Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Gail Goodrich, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. He also led the Lakers to the first five of our fourteen NBA Championships and he did so with consummate class, dignity and professionalism.”
“Frankly, without George Mikan, the Los Angeles Lakers would not be the organization we are today.”