LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 31: Golden State Warriors executive board member Jerry West sits on the bench by NBA logos before the game the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 31, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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The NBA world is reacting to the death of NBA legend Jerry West. West passed away in his sleep at the age of 86. West is being remembered not only as a great player but as a great NBA general manager as well. He was the architect of the “Showtime Lakers” of the 1980s and for bringing Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal to LA.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement about West.

“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,” Silver said in the statement. “I valued my friendship with Jerry and the knowledge he shared with me over many years about basketball and life.”

Current Laker LeBron James also sent his condolences to the West family and talked about his friendship with West.

“Will truly miss our convos my dear friend!” James wrote. “Rest in Paradise my guy!”

Former Lakers star Nick Van Exel thanked West for drafting him and take a chance on him.

“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  100 with me and I always knew where you were coming from. Prayers to the family!! Tough loss”

https://x.com/vanexel31/status/1800904958918947119

NBA legend Michael Jordan texted Stephen A. Smith to send his condolences as well.

“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,” Jordan said. “I always wish I could have played against him as a competitor, but the more I came to know him, I wish I had been his teammate … Rest in Peace, Logo.”

Earlier in a segment on “First Take” Smith talked about a conversation he had with West about the NBA changing the logo from him to Michael Jordan something that Smith says he denies ever suggesting, surprisingly, West thought Jordan should be the logo but the most important thing was from that conversation, a friendship grew between the two men.

West was the general manager or executive for several NBA teams including the Lakers rival, the LA Clippers but the the three-time All-American from West Virginia will always be more known for his time with the Lakers as a player, a coach, and most importantly a general manager.

Although he only won one championship as a player for the team, he won several NBA championships as a GM with the Lakers which may be his most impressive feat. On the day of his passing, the teams he either worked with or played for during his lifetime paid their tributes to the man known as “The Logo.”

“Jerry West, the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86. His wife, Karen, was by his side.”

{ LA Clippers, LA Lakers, Adam Silver, Nick Van Exel, LeBron James, First Take}

 

About Stacey Mickles

Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.

View all posts by Stacey Mickles