The shocking news of the death of former Los Angeles Lakers guard and basketball Hall of Famer Jerry West was announced by the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, the franchise where he last worked as an executive board member and consultant.
West, who passed away at the age of 86, was a nine-time NBA champion—one as a player and eight as an executive. He was selected as an All-Star every year of his 14-year career and was named to 12 All-NBA teams as well as winning the NBA Finals MVP in 1969 and an Olympic gold medal in Rome in 1960.
Following his passing, the basketball world, which includes NBA legends, former players, current players, and even fans, paid tribute to West, whose silhouette created the NBA logo and was recognised as the creator of the ‘Showtime Lakers’, which won five titles in a decade.
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… pic.twitter.com/o9xMDu50Wv
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 12, 2024
Honoring the legendary Jerry West pic.twitter.com/vN9gzMPVMc
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 12, 2024
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
It’s because of Jerry West that there was even “Showtime” It’s because of you that I am who I am today. You believed in me when no one else did and for that I’m forever grateful. You will always be my “Basketball Dad”. I love you Logo my heart is broken. You will be missed pic.twitter.com/Gv1y3wfB5G
— Byron Scott (@official_bscott) June 12, 2024
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Jerry West. pic.twitter.com/8XspFQO3d0
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 12, 2024
“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… pic.twitter.com/Z40V4gzJka
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) June 12, 2024
May my all time first team shooting guard rest in peace knowing he paved the way for defining greatness on the hardwood, excellence in the front office and living life his way. Jerry is one of one and claims the right to be the logo forever. My condolences to his family.
Doc
— Julius Dr J Erving (@JuliusErving) June 12, 2024
Icon. Champion. Logo.
Rest In Peace, Jerry West. pic.twitter.com/MfBqxV2rxc
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) June 12, 2024
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 💯 with me and I always knew where you were coming from. Prayers to the family!! Tough loss. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Nick Van Exel (@vanexel31) June 12, 2024
Thoughts and Prayers to the Family, Friends, and Fans of The Legend Jerry West! Basketball Royalty! Rest In Peace 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/2z7kPH6wAk
— Mark Jackson (@MarkJackson13) June 12, 2024
The NBA lost a legend.
Rest In Peace, Jerry West 🤍 pic.twitter.com/MFDjIPPUHi
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) June 12, 2024
United under one Logo.
Jerry West, 1938-2024 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AiFtYjuhlz
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) June 12, 2024
Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA Legend Jerry West: pic.twitter.com/iHmQS3oVrh
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) June 12, 2024
Rest in peace to NBA legend Jerry West.
He helped build the Warriors dynasty
Traded Monte Ellis for Bogut ✅
Signed Iguodala ✅
THREATENED TO QUIT if the Warriors traded Klay for Kevin Love in 2014 ✅
Helped recruit Kevin Durant ✅
Absolute legend. pic.twitter.com/vnH7pbRm83
— 30🅿️roblemz (@30problemz) June 12, 2024
