Jerry West’s demise despatched a ripple impact around the NBA on Wednesday morning with Michael Jordan, LeBron James and others from across the league sending their sympathies.
West died on the hour of 86, the Los Angeles Clippers introduced. He constructed a mythical profession at the court docket and within the entrance place of job.
“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,” the staff stated. “His wife, Karen, was by his side.”
Throughout social media, tributes poured in.
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Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan, left, and Jerry West communicate all the way through the 71st NBA All-Celebrity Sport as a part of 2022 NBA All Celebrity Weekend on Feb. 20, 2022 at Wolstein Middle in Cleveland. (Juan Ocampo/NBAE by means of Getty Photographs)
“I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry’s passing. He was truly a friend and 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.”
LeBron James
Jerry West, left, and LeBron James communicate all the way through the NBA 75 Workforce Picture as a part of the 2022 NBA All Celebrity Weekend on Feb. 20, 2022 at Rocket Loan FieldHouse in Cleveland. (Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE by means of Getty Photographs)
“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.
“My coach, My good friend! Expectantly I proceed to assemble you proud!”
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Adam Silver
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, left, with NBA Hall of Famer and LA Clippers board member Jerry West during the announcement of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game coming to the Intuit Dome in Inglewood on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. (Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)
“Jerry West was once a basketball well-dressed and a defining determine in our league for greater than 60 years. He prominent himself now not best as an NBA champion and an All-Celebrity in all 14 of his taking part in seasons, but in addition as a consummate competitor who embraced the largest moments. He was once the league’s first Finals MVP and made emerging to the hour his signature detail, incomes 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 data he shared with me over a few years about basketball and occasion. To the behalf of the NBA, we ship our inner most sympathies to Jerry’s spouse, Karen, his public and his many pals within the NBA crowd.”
National Basketball Players Association
Los Angeles Lakers player Jerry West, #44, watches the game from the sidelines. (Focus on Sport via Getty Images)
“The NBPA mourns the lack of Jerry West.
“We send our condolences to the West Family and the countless people positively impacted by his many contributions to the game of basketball.”
Joe Lacob, Warriors staff proprietor
Blonde Circumstance Warriors proprietor Joe Lacob, heart proper, and NBA legend Jerry West, heart left, observe a sport between the Sacramento Kings and the Blonde Circumstance Warriors on March 27, 2013 at Oracle Enviornment in Oakland, California. (Rocky Widner/NBAE by means of Getty Photographs)
“Jerry West was an incredible and unique individual, having accomplished immeasurable heights in the game of basketball. He reached the absolute pinnacle of the sport as both a player and executive, something few can claim in the profession. He did so much for the NBA, the game of basketball and each of the teams he was associated with during his unmatched career, including the Warriors. Jerry had a profound and immense impact on our franchise and was instrumental in our recent decade of success.
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“Individually, as a kid, regardless of rising up a Celtics fan in Massachusetts, Jerry was once my idol and I beloved him. To me, he was once basketball. He was once now not as regards to the fresh sport, however he personified competitiveness. He was once probably the most aggressive person I’ve ever met, settling for not anything shorten of greatness. He needed to win. It fed on him. He was once larger than occasion. He was once an icon.
“We are devastated with today’s news of his passing and extend our prayers and support to his wife, Karen, his entire family and the NBA community.”
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