On Wednesday morning, the Los Angeles Clippers announced the death of basketball legend death of basketball legend Jerry West.
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. pic.twitter.com/iMwOXmCT2B
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) June 12, 2024
Throughout the day, the basketball world took time to pay their respects to the late guard, a 14-time All-Star and championship executive whose silhouette became the inspiration for the NBA’s iconic logo.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement Wednesday morning, sharing his condolences to the basketball great and noting his excellence as a executive as well as player.
“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 Lakers star LeBron James took to social media to praise West for his friendship. “Will truly miss our convos my dear friend!” James wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “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 great Michael Jordan released a statement via ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, which Smith read on Wednesday’s episode of 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,” 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.”
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
Smith also spoke about West’s passing on First Take, speaking about what West meant to the basketball world as a whole.
“The basketball community, the world over, is mourning this particular morning because Jerry West was simply one of the great ones. He was the silhouette for a reason,” Smith said.
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
West Virginia men’s basketball also took the time to pay respects to West, who played with the Mountaineers from 1957 to 1960, calling him an “iconic figure in basketball history.” West, who was born and raised in West Virginia, had his number 44 retired by WVU in 2005, becoming the first basketball player to receive that honor in the school’s history.
West Virginia University mourns the passing of the legendary Jerry West, an iconic figure in basketball history.
Forever a Mountaineer. pic.twitter.com/M4ZYxUBTEL
— WVU Men’s Basketball (@WVUhoops) June 12, 2024
Journalists and pundits also shared their condolences over West’s death, praising the late basketball player for his impact on the NBA. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski wrote on X about West’s impact shortly after the announcement.
“Jerry West lived a profound basketball and American life — iconic as a player, executive and looming figure in the history of the game,” Wojnarowski wrote. “His loss leaves a massive void.”
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