Jerry West, whose image became the inspiration behind the NBA logo, passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 86 and the NBA world is in mourning.
West is a two-time Basketball Hall of Famer as a player and an official. He will be inducted for the third time at the end of this year as a participant.
His storied career included being a 14-time All-Star, a 12-time All-NBA selection, he was part of the 1972 Lakers team that won the championship, the NBA Finals MVP and was selected to the NBA’s 75th team of the year .
West was the general manager of eight NBA championship teams with the Lakers, helping to build the Showtime dynasty.
He also worked in the offices of the Grizzlies, Warriors and Clippers.
After news broke that West had passed, ESPNStephen A. Smith shared a text message from Michael Jordan.
“I am very saddened by the news of Jerry’s death,” said Smith First Take. “He was a true friend and mentor, like an older brother to me. I appreciated his friendship and knowledge. I always wished I could have played with him as a rival. But the more I get to know him, the more I wish I could have been his friend. I loved his basketball insights and he and I share a lot of similarities in how we approach the game. He will be forever missed; My condolences to his wife, Karen, and sons. Sleep in peace, Logo.”
The rest of the NBA world also shared their awards in the West on social media.
You will really miss our convos my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers go out to your beautiful family! Forever love Jerry! Rest in Paradise my boy! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🤎
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 12, 2024
My mentor, my friend! I hope to continue to make you proud! 🥲. You already missed it!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 12, 2024
Thoughts and Prayers to the Family, Friends, and Fans of Legend Jerry West! Basketball Royalty! Rest in Peace 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/2z7kPH6wAk
– Mark Jackson (@MarkJackson13) June 12, 2024
I met Jerry West for the first time in 1979 at the Forum where he spoke with Bill Sharman, Chick Hearn, and then Laker owner Jack Kent Cooke. My dad, the agent and I talked over lunch and Jerry took me to the locker room to show me my Lakers jersey. I started crying again… pic.twitter.com/o9xMDu50Wv
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 12, 2024
It was a pleasure to meet and have the opportunity to speak with LOGO many times!
One of the best bodyguards ever! RIP to the legend! 🙏🏽– Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) June 12, 2024
You always made time to break bread and share wisdom 🙏🏾 I appreciate your friendship more than anything I could ever say to you and the love from you and your family. Your impact on the game will live on — RIP Logo 🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/mqpSnsjmnx
– Harrison Barnes (@hbarnes) June 12, 2024
RIH Jerry West. He drafted me in the 2nd round and gave me a shot as a rookie which wasn’t the best pg at the time. I always kept 💯 to myself and I always knew where you were coming from. Prayers to the family!! A heavy loss. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Nick Van Exel (@vanexel31) June 12, 2024
Thank you!!!! The RIP logo pic.twitter.com/YR832S7xy9
— kuz (@kylekuzma) June 12, 2024
The reason Jerry West became the NBA logo is because he embodied the qualities we love in our best athletes: skill as a player, dedication as a teammate, and integrity as a person. He was my coach, and my mentor, but most of all he was my friend. Today, half of the continent… pic.twitter.com/oOxelWavo
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) June 12, 2024
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