The NBA world is in mourning following the passing of Jerry West, one of basketball’s most iconic figures. West, who passed away at the age of 86, left an indelible mark on the sport both as a player and as an executive. Tributes poured in from across the basketball community, highlighting the profound impact he had on the game.
Michael Jordan also honored Jerry West as he texted Stephen A. Smith, who read his statement on ‘First Take.’
“I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry’s passing. 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. RIP, Logo.”
Michael Jordan texted @stephenasmith to honor Jerry West.
"I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry's passing. He was truly a friend and a mentor. Like an older brother to me. … Rest in Peace, Logo." pic.twitter.com/kvkXqqSf63
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 12, 2024
LeBron James, who West tried to draft in 2003 to the Memphis Grizzlies, also paid homage to the legend.
“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!”
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
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his condolences as he released a statement.
“Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years. He distinguished himself not only as an NBA champion and an All-Star in all 14 of his playing seasons, but also as a consummate competitor who embraced the biggest moments. He was the league’s first Finals MVP and made rising to the occasion his signature quality, earning him the nickname Mr. Clutch’.
“Jerry’s four decades with the Lakers also included a successful stint as a head coach and a remarkable run in the front office that cemented his reputation as one of the greatest executives in sports history. He helped build eight championship teams during his tenure in the NBA – a legacy of achievement that mirrors his on-court excellence. And he will be enshrined this October into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor, becoming the first person ever inducted as both a player and a contributor.
“I valued my friendship with Jerry and the knowledge he shared with me over many years about basketball and life. On behalf of the NBA, we send our deepest condolences to Jerry’s wife, Karen, his family and his many friends in the NBA community.”
Mark Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks owner, also paid tribute to West.
😢😢😢 pic.twitter.com/0e84dXHFJn
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) June 12, 2024
Adrian Wojnarowski, one of the most reputed NBA reporters, also left a touching message for West.
Jerry West lived a profound basketball and American life — iconic as a player, executive and looming figure in the history of the game. He was an MVP, a champion, a gold medalist, a dynasty-builder and literally the league’s logo. His loss leaves a massive void. pic.twitter.com/vE3fQc5XuE
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 12, 2024
Mike Greenberg, who was on air when the world learned about West’s demise, went on a eulogy paying respect to West.
Mike Greenberg announces the death of Jerry West on ESPN's 'Get Up': "I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but one of the greatest figures in the history of American sports, one of the greatest players and one of the most important people in the history of basketball in this or… pic.twitter.com/xbWEB8t8Kd
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 12, 2024
Stephen A. Smith, one of the most popular TV personalities, also honored the 1969 NBA Finals MVP winner.
Stephen A. Smith on Jerry West: "He was relevant to the game of basketball literally from the 60s until he passed away in his sleep last night." pic.twitter.com/iBLXkT2fdm
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 12, 2024
The loss of Jerry West is deeply felt, but his legacy as a player, executive, and mentor will continue to inspire and influence the NBA for generations to come. With the NBA Finals Game 3 in Dallas just a few hours away, the league will surely plan something special to honor the late legend. Tributes continue to pour in from across the league as the basketball community reflects on the life and legacy of Jerry West.
Thank you for everything, Mr. West. Your impact on the game of basketball will never be forgotten.
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