Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal both gave heartfelt tributes to Jerry West, reflecting on his profound impact on their lives and careers. Magic Johnson took to X (Formerly Twitter) to express his sorrow and share cherished memories.
“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 Jerry explained to me the expectation of wearing the purple and gold, how he saw my role, and how he envisioned me fitting into the organization. I’ll never forget that moment.”
“When training camp began, he gave me so many golden nuggets and really critiqued every facet of my game. After every practice, he would give me notes on how I could get better and those sessions carried over to the regular season. Once a week we went over what I needed to improve and how I could dominate in the league. Those meetings meant everything to me because I learned so much from him.”
“We had a basketball camp in Hawaii called the Jerry West Magic Johnson Fantasy Camp for 20 years. At the camp, we shared every meal together and that’s when we really bonded and solidified our great friendship outside of the Lakers.”
“Jerry West was more than a general manager, he was a great friend and confidante. He was there in my highest moments, winning 5 NBA Championships, and in my lowest moment when I announced my HIV diagnosis and we cried together for hours in his office.”
“Every time I achieved a goal or crossed a milestone, one of the first calls I received was from Jerry West. When I started my business, was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame, was named Lakers President of Basketball Operations – he would always pick up the phone and give me a personalized call to congratulate me.”
“Beyond his basketball accolades as a basketball player and NBA executive, Jerry West was a great man, a leader of men, fiercely loved his family and friends, and despite holding jobs with other franchises, he was a Lakers fan for life.”
“Laker Nation, the only reason we have 17 NBA championships is because of Jerry West and his expertise drafting players, trading for players, and hiring the right coaches. Today is a sad day for basketball fans and sports fans across the globe.”
“Cookie and I are just devastated and continue to lift up his beautiful wife Karen; sons David, Mark, Michael, Ryan, and Jonnie, extended family, and loved ones in prayer.”
He recounted his first meeting with West in 1979 at the Forum, where West introduced him to key figures in the Lakers organization and showed him his Lakers jersey for the first time. This moment, Johnson said, moved him to tears and marked the beginning of a pivotal relationship.
Johnson highlighted how West continuously mentored him, critiquing his game and providing invaluable insights that helped shape his career. Their relationship extended beyond the basketball court, as they co-hosted the Jerry West Magic Johnson Fantasy Camp in Hawaii for 20 years, where they bonded deeply.
Johnson emphasized West’s unwavering support throughout his life, noting that West was always one of the first to call with congratulations whenever Johnson achieved a new milestone. He shared a particularly poignant memory of West comforting him during his HIV diagnosis, crying together for hours in West’s office.
Johnson described West as a great friend, a confidante, and a lifelong Lakers fan whose influence was instrumental in the Lakers’ 17 NBA championships. He expressed his devastation and extended his condolences to West’s family, acknowledging the immense loss felt by basketball fans worldwide.
Shaquille O’Neal also paid tribute to West on Instagram, recounting their first meeting in Atlanta at 3:30 am, where West convinced him to join the Lakers.
“There are certain people that you come across, and from the moment you meet them, you know that your life is changed. That is what happened the moment that I met you. And, looking back on it, it all seems so obvious now. You were deliberate and purposeful. You were kind and thoughtful. And your insights into what was going to happen to a Lakers franchise that you loved were spot on.”
“When we first met in Atlanta, the hotel at 3:30 am to discuss the possibility of me becoming a member of the Lakers, first thing you said after I signed the contract was were about to do great things.”
“You talked about a young 17-year-old that you had just traded for, and that together, Kobe and I would win several championships. I have learned in my life that in order to accomplish great things, everyone has to believe that it can happen. I learned that from listening to you that day. You were so confident that we were about to be a dynasty. It made it easier for me to believe.”
“Your insights were hard-earned. You did not have it easy as a child. But from the moment that you could stand out as a young man, you did. And you never looked back. You took your home-state West Virginia Mountaineers to the national championship game, and although you didn’t prevail, you were still named the MVP of the tournament. You came to the Lakers and played for them for 14 years.”
“You won a championship with the team, and you even won the MVP of the Finals in a year that your team did not win the title! You then oversaw eight titles for the Lakers franchise! And you did all of it with kindness and class. You made everyone around you better, and you did all of it with such humility.”
“You deserve to be The Logo, but to all of us who had the honor of knowing you, you were so much more. With all of your nicknames — Mr. Clutch, Mr. Outside, or even Zeke from Cabin Creek — they still don’t capture the man that you were. But, I have a final label for you. And I am so proud that I got to call you this. Friend.”
“I will miss you. Much love to your entire family.”
“Shaq.”
O’Neal recalled West’s confidence in the future success of the team and his foresight about the young Kobe Bryant, whom West had recently traded for. West’s belief in their potential to create a dynasty left a lasting impression on O’Neal.
O’Neal praised West’s career, from his standout performance with the West Virginia Mountaineers to his 14-year tenure with the Lakers as a player and his successful executive career that saw eight championships for the franchise.
He admired West’s kindness, class, and humility, and noted how West made everyone around him better. O’Neal concluded by expressing his gratitude for having West as a friend and offered his condolences to West’s family.
The tributes from Magic and Shaq highlight the deep, personal connections they had with Jerry West, reflecting his enduring legacy as a mentor, friend, and basketball icon.
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