NBA legend and supposed inspiration behind the league’s logo, Jerry Westpassed away at the age of 86.
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More details about Jerry West’s passing
According to NBAthe Los Angeles Clippers confirmed West’s move to Xformerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday, June 12th. The organization notes that West has worked as a “consultant” to the team for the past seven years.
“Jerry West, the embodiment of basketball excellence and friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86. His wife, Karen, was by his side,” the LA Clippers tweet reads.
Jerry West, the embodiment of basketball excellence and friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86. His wife, Karen, was at his side. pic.twitter.com/iMwOXmCT2B
– LA Clippers (@LAClippers) June 12, 2024
According to ABC news, West entered the league as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1960 “by the then-Minneapolis Lakers.” He reportedly averaged “27 points, 6.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game over his career.”
According to NBA, West also served as “general manager of eight NBA championship teams with the Los Angeles Lakers.” Furthermore, he worked alongside the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors.
Additionally, West is reportedly responsible for drafting players such as Magic Johnson and exploring Lakers icon Kobe Bryant.
O NBA adds that the legend has also been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on three occasions. The outlet reports that West’s “silhouette is considered the basis of the NBA logo.”
“While it has never been officially stated that the logo is Jerry West, it certainly looks a lot like him,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in 2021, per ESPN.
LeBron James, Michael Jordan and Adam Silver share statements
Before the Clippers revealed West’s death, ESPN’s NBA Senior Fellow Adrian Wojnarowski took to X to share a message about West.
“Jerry West lived a profound life in basketball and in America – 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 logo of the league. His loss leaves a huge void,” he wrote.
Jerry West lived a profound life in basketball and in America – iconic as a player, executive and looming figure in the game’s history. He was an MVP, a champion, a gold medalist, a dynasty builder and literally the logo of the league. His loss leaves a huge void. pic.twitter.com/vE3fQc5XuE
-Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 12, 2024
Current Lakers player LeBron James also took advantage of the platform to share your own message about the West.
“I will miss our conversations very much, my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers go out to your wonderful family! Forever love Jerry! Rest in Paradise my boy!…” he wrote.
I will miss our conversations very much, my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers go out to your wonderful family! Love Jerry forever! Rest in Paradise my dear! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🤎
-LeBron James (@KingJames) June 12, 2024
According to CNNa representative for Michael Jordan shared a statement on his behalf.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of Jerry’s passing. He was truly a friend and a mentor. Like a big 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 got to know him, I wish I could have been his teammate. I admired his insights into basketball, and he and I share many similarities in the way we approach the game. He will be missed forever. My condolences to his wife Karen and his children. Rest in peace, Soon,” said Jordan.
Additionally, the NBA’s official communications account shared a statement from Commissioner Adam Silver via X.
“Jerry’s four decades with the Lakers also included a successful stint as head coach and an outstanding performance in the front office that cemented his reputation as one of the greatest executives in the history of the sport. He helped build eight championship teams during his tenure in the NBA — a legacy of achievement that reflects his excellence on the court… On behalf of the NBA, we send our deepest condolences to Jerry’s wife, Karen, his family, and his many friends in the NBA Community,” reads part of the statement.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver today issued the following statement regarding the passing of Jerry West. pic.twitter.com/8XspFQO3d0
– NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 12, 2024
Social media remembers Jerry West
Social media users reacted to the news of West’s passing Shade Room Comments Section.
Instagram user @_taleaaaa wrote, “So much sad news lately 😭. Praying for your family and friends 🫶🏽”
While Instagram user @mannysolo added, “Heck, his legacy will be clearly remembered. He is the logo 🙏🏾 RIH #Legend”
Instagram user @dkirk_kv wrote, “Wow 😮 the NBA logo came through 🕊️🕊️🕊️”
While Instagram user @syaridakid added, “Damn Jerry West, the logo! damn legend, this is a hard day! underrated”
Instagram user @aball_dotcom wrote, “RIP to the logo!! There wouldn’t have been a dynamic duo of Shaq and Kobe without the brilliance of Jerry West! Sad day for LakerNation. 😔”
While Instagram user @geewavy_ added, “The logo! Reunited with Kobe! 🙏🏽”
Instagram user @coreyborner24wroutinely, “REST IN PEACE, FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND…”
Rapper Fat Joe added, “🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽”
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