This Day In Lakers History: Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain Face Off In Second Epic Clash
Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports

Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain are two of the greatest players in NBA history and two of the most unstoppable forces during their era. Both have their numbers retired by the Los Angeles Lakers for a reason, and each were known to put up some absolutely ridiculous numbers.

The 1961-62 season was a special one for both Baylor and Chamberlain. Wilt, then with the Philadelphia Warriors, averaged 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds. Meanwhile, Baylor averaged 38.3 points, 18.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists in just 48 games as he was on active duty for the US Army Reserves.

That didn’t stop the two would engage in some absolutely epic battles on the year. Just three weeks earlier, the two each hit the 60-point mark in a Lakers’ triple OT win.

On Dec. 29, 1961, they didn’t quite reach that level, but it was still memorable nonetheless. Baylor finished with 52 points and 16 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough as Chamberlain’s 60 points and 26 rebounds led the Warriors to a bit of revenge in a 123-118 victory over the Lakers.

This was Elgin Baylor at the peak of his powers. It was his fifth 50-point performance in an 18-game stretch and he reached at least 40 points in more than half of his games in the month of December. He truly was someone that was ahead of his time.

Of course, Chamberlain was just at another level in the greatest statistical season from any player in the history of the NBA. The fact that he and Baylor could have two games in the span of three weeks where each had at least 50 points is truly amazing.

As we move farther and farther away from this era of NBA performers, the greatness of players like Baylor and Chamberlain can be marginalized or forgotten. Everyone remembers the 100-point game, but there were any number of ridiculous performances by Baylor and Chamberlain and this was just one more.

Wilt Chamberlain Lakers NBA Finals jersey sells for $4 million

Chamberlain and Baylor would eventually team up on the Lakers in the latter stages of their careers, making the NBA Finals in 1972.

A game-worn jersey of Chamberlain’s from that series is still very valuable to this day as it recently sold for $4 million in an auction.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

NBA Finals Recap: Jimmy Butler Leads Heat To Upset Over Lakers In Game 3

The Miami Heat again were without Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic, but they this time managed to upset the Los…

Recap: Anthony Davis & D’Angelo Russell Lead Lakers To Win Over Magic

After a tough overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings, the Los Angeles Lakers returned home and hosted the Orlando Magic…

Lakers News: Jalen Hood-Schifino Shares What He Observed While Sidelined With Injury

A rarity for the Los Angeles Lakers during the LeBron James era have been first-round picks due to the team trying…

Danny Green Believes Veteran Lakers Roster Advantage For Bubble

After starting out as somewhat of a bit player, Danny Green transformed himself into one of the league’s premier…