Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak on Slater Martin’s passing

Slater Martin, the defensive specialist Hall of Fame guard who won three of his four NBA titles, died Thursday.

Martin’s daughter-in-law, Becky, told the Associated Press that he died at nursing facility in Houston with a sudden illness after being admitted there on Monday. Martin was 86.

“Slater was one of the first great Laker players, and a proud link to our early days in Minnesota,” Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement.
“We’re saddened by his passing, and we send our condolences to his family.”
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