Vern Mikkelsen, former Hall of Famer of the Minneapolis Lakers, passed away on Thursday.
The Los Angeles Times reports that Mikkelsen died at the age of 85 surrounded by family in his home in Wayzata, Minnesota. He battled with prostate cancer for 11 years before his death. He also suffered two strokes, diabetes and the death of his wife in 2002, according to the Associated Press.
Former Lakers great Vern Mikkelsen passed away at the age of 85 on Thursday, the team confirmed.
Mikkelsen played for the Lakers for 10 years, and was inducted to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995. The forward was a six-time All-Star and four-time champion in his NBA career, which lasted from 1949 to 1959.
"Vern was one of the first in a long line of great Lakers players, and a key link to our franchise’s early years in Minnesota," said Lakers President Jeanie Buss in a statement. "We appreciate his contributions to the Lakers and our legacy, and we send our condolences and best wishes to his family."
The Minnesota Timberwolves also expressed their sadness over Mikkelsen's death and took to Twitter Friday offer condolences to his family.
The Timberwolves organization is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Minneapolis Laker and NBA Hall of Famer Vern Mikkelsen.
— MN Timberwolves (@MNTimberwolves) November 22, 2013
Vern was a great friend to our organization and we offer our condolences to his family.
— MN Timberwolves (@MNTimberwolves) November 22, 2013
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
