Former Lakers star Tommy Hawkins passes away

Tommy Hawkins, Wooden Award Co-National Chairman and former Los Angeles Laker, passed away in Malibu, California. He was 80 years old.

The following statement was issued by Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss on behalf of the team:

“We are saddened to hear the news regarding Tommy Hawkins. He was and will always be part of the Lakers family. He was a member of the Lakers when the team moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles and he made LA his home. Tommy not only contributed as a player but also as a sports executive and broadcaster. His baritone voice and easy demeanor made him a favorite of the fans and media as well as everyone who had the honor of calling him a friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hawkins family.”

For over 30 years, Hawkins served as the master of ceremonies for the John R. Wooden Award presentation at the Los Angeles Athletic Club. In 2011, he passed on the torch of his emcee duties and was named Co-National Chairman of the Award.

Named to Notre Dame’s All-Century Men’s Basketball team in 2004 and Ring of Honor in 2015, Hawkins led the Irish to 44-13 record over his last two seasons, including an Elite Eight appearance in 1958. A two-time All-American, he finished his collegiate career as Notre Dame’s leading scorer and rebounder. He is currently ranked 9th in scoring and his rebounding total is the longest standing record in Notre Dame basketball history.

Following his collegiate career, Hawkins was drafted with the third pick of the first round by the Minneapolis Lakers in the 1959 NBA draft. He played ten seasons in the NBA for Minneapolis, the Cincinnati Royals, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Hawkins would go on to play six seasons with the Lakers, averaging 9.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in 454 games.

After his playing career concluded, he moved into broadcasting for KNBC-TV and KABC radio in Los Angeles and later became the vice president of communications for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was inducted into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2016.

Hawkins is survived by his five children and his wife, Layla.

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services