Los Angeles  - The Chicago Bulls on Thursday experienced one of the saddest days in their 43-year-old history, with the deaths of former greats Johnny "Red" Kerr and Norm Van Lear.

Kerr, the legendary Bulls broadcaster, died of prostrate cancer at the age of 76.

"The entire Bulls organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Johnny "Red" Kerr," Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement.

"Johnny spent his entire life around the great game of basketball. His name was synonymous with basketball, both here in Chicago, and throughout the entire NBA.

"Those that were fortunate enough to have known Johnny were touched by both his tremendous compassion for people, and his life-long passion for the game of basketball.

"We will miss him greatly. Our sincere condolences, and our thoughts and prayers, go out to the entire Kerr family."

Kerr played in the NBA from 1954 to 1966, mostly with the Syracuse Nationals. He was named the Bulls first head coach in 1966, and won the NBA's Coach of the Year award for guiding the expansion club to the playoffs in its debut season.

He moved on to a successful career as a television commentator for the Bulls that spanned more than three decades. For his long-time achievements with the organization, he was honoured with a halftime ceremony of the February 10 contest with Detroit.

Hours earlier, Norm Van Lear - another fan favourite, who played most of his 10-year NBA career with the Bulls before enjoying a successful broadcast career covering the club - died at age 61.

The three-time All-Star was found dead inside his apartment a few blocks from the United Centre - the Bulls home - after he didn't show up for work as a Comcast SportsNet analyst for Wednesday night's game.

The cause of death has yet to be determined.

"Norm Van Lear was one of the all-time greats ever to put on a Chicago Bulls uniform," Reinsdorf said in a statement.

"Along with Jerry Sloan, he set a standard for Bulls defence and toughness which we will never forget.

"We will miss him greatly and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and his many friends."

Van Lear played in the NBA from 1969-79 with Chicago, the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks. However, he enjoyed his best years with the Bulls from 1971-78. In
74-75, he averaged 15.0 points and 5.8 assists, while taking the club to the NBA Finals before bowing to the Golden State Warriors.

"Stormin' Norman's last season was with Milwaukee in the 78-79 season.. He retired with career averages of 11.8 points, 7.0 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 746 contests.

"Norm was passionate about the game of basketball and a great competitor on the court," NBA commissioner David Stern said in a statement.

"Norm was a complete player, a wonderful passer, a tenacious rebounder and an original character in the 1970s.

"We are all fortunate that Norm continued to share his passion and insight as a broadcaster for the Bulls since the early '90s. The NBA lost a great ambassador and friend today." (dpa)