Jack Haley, former UCLA and Lakers center, dies at 51

Former UCLA and Lakers center Jack Haley, who parlayed his size into a nine-year NBA career, died Monday at the age of 51.
A statement released by the family through the Lakers said Haley died as a result of heart disease. The Orange County Coroner Division of the Orange County Sheriff’s website said Haley, of Seal Beach, died at Los Alamitos Medical Center.
“It is with great sadness that the Haley family announces the passing of our beloved father, son, and brother,” the Haley family said in the statement. “Our hearts are broken by this sudden, unexpected loss. Jack was honored and grateful for the opportunity to play in the NBA for nine years, alongside world-class athletes with the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs and New Jersey Nets. He cherished every moment and gave 100% whether on or off the court. And more than anything, Jack dearly loved his family. We are humbled and grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from around the country.”
• PHOTOS: Former UCLA and Lakers center Jack Haley dies at 51
Born in Long Beach and an alumnus of Huntington Beach High, the 6-foot-10 big man had a decade-long professional career in the United States and abroad, bouncing everywhere from the Chicago Bulls to the Los Angeles Lakers to AEK Athens to the LaCrosse Bobcats of the Continental Basketball Association.
In the NBA, he played for four teams, spending two stints with the Bulls and the New Jersey Nets as well as two seasons with the San Antonio Spurs.
In his lone season with the Lakers in 1991-92, he scored 76 points and grabbed 95 rebounds in 49 appearances.
“Jack was a hard worker and always very professional,” Lakers general manger Mitch Kupchak said in a statement. “He was proud to wear the Lakers uniform, and he was always a credit to our organization and the Lakers family. Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this time.”
Haley was a part of the Bulls’ 1995-96 NBA title run, although he famously missed all but seven minutes of the season due to tendinitis in his left knee. He subbed in during Chicago’s final regular-season game against Washington, and ended up with five points.
“Member of Bulls 95-96 team of ages,” tweeted former Bull coach Phil Jackson, the first to publicly report the news of Haley’s death. “RIP.”
Former Chicago teammate Scottie Pippen also expressed his condolences on Twitter: “Very sorry to hear my old teammate, Jack Haley, has passed away. Great guy who I stayed in touch with over the years. RIP.”
Haley also became known as somewhat of a caretaker for the enigmatic Dennis Rodman, although he disliked the label.
“This year, I specifically go out of my way not to speak to the press when they ask, ‘Hey, can we talk to Dennis?’ or ‘Can you get an interview with Dennis?’” he told the Chicago Tribune in 1996. “That’s not my job. Call Dennis Rodman, don’t ask me.”