Jerry West, whose silhouette was the inspiration behind the NBA logo, passed away on 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 executive. He will be enshrined for a third time later this year as a contributor.
His storied career included being a a 14-time All-Star, a 12-time All-NBA selection, was part of the 1972 Lakers team that won a championship, NBA Finals MVP and was selected as on the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.
West was 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 the Clippers.
After the news broke that West had passed, ESPN‘s Stephen A. Smith shared a text message from Michael Jordan.
“I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry’s passing,” Smith said on First Take. “He was truly a friend and a mentor, like an older brother to me. I valued his friendship and knowledge. I always wished I could have played against him as a competitor. But the more I came to know him, I wish I had been his teammate. I admired his basketball insights and he and I shared many similarities to how we approached the game. He will be forever missed; my condolences to his wife, Karen, and his sons. Rest in Peace, Logo.”
The rest of the NBA world has also shared their tributes to West on social media.
Will truly miss our convos my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers goes out to your wonderful family! Forever love Jerry! Rest in Paradise my guy! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🤎
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 12, 2024
My mentor, My friend! Hopefully I continue to make you proud! 🥲. You’re already missed!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 12, 2024
Thoughts and Prayers to the Family, Friends, and Fans of The 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 introduced me to Bill Sharman, Chick Hearn, and then Laker owner Jack Kent Cooke. My father, agent and I negotiated over lunch then Jerry took me to the locker room to show me my Lakers jersey. I started to cry and… pic.twitter.com/o9xMDu50Wv
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 12, 2024
Was a pleasure to have met & get the opportunity to talk with THE LOGO multiple times!
One of the best guards ever & people! R.I.P. to a Legend! 🙏🏽— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) June 12, 2024
You always made time to break bread and share wisdom 🙏🏾 I appreciated your friendship more than I ever told you and the love from you and your family. Your impact on the game will continue to live on — RIP Logo 🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/mqpSnsjmnx
— Harrison Barnes (@hbarnes) June 12, 2024
RIH Jerry West. Drafted me in the 2nd round and gave me a shot as a young player that wasn’t the better pg at the time. Always kept it a 💯 with me and I always knew where you were coming from. Prayers to the family!! Tough loss. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Nick Van Exel (@vanexel31) June 12, 2024
Thankful!!!! RIP logo pic.twitter.com/YR832S7xy9
— kuz (@kylekuzma) June 12, 2024
The reason Jerry West is the logo for the NBA is because he embodied the qualities we admire in our best athletes: skills as a player, dedication as a teammate, and integrity as a person. He was my coach, and my advisor, but mostly he was my friend. Today, a part of the continent… pic.twitter.com/oUOxelWavo
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) June 12, 2024
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