Former NBA All-Star Bill Sharman dies at 87

Eight-time NBA All-Star with the Boston Celtics and former Los Angeles Lakers championship-winning head coach Bill Sharman passed away at the age of 87.

"Bill Sharman, former head coach, general manager, president and special consultant for the Lakers, passed away this morning at his home in Redondo Beach," announced the Lakers Friday, reports Xinhua.

Sharman was one of NBA's best guards as a player. He was among NBA all time top three free throw shooters, converting 88.3 percent of his free throw attempts into score.

Sharman won NBA championships in 1957, 1959, 1960 and 1961. He was elected into Basketball Hall of Fame both as player and coach. He was also one of the "50 Greatest Players in NBA History".

"It is a sad day for anyone who loves and cares about the Lakers," said Lakers president Jeanie Buss.

"As our head coach, Bill led us to our first championship in Los Angeles, and he was an important contributor to the 10 championship teams that followed."