The passing of the legendary Jerry West has shocked not only the world of basketball and the NBA but also professional sports in the United States and around the world. Considered the architect who brought the legendary Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s to life and known worldwide as the silhouette of the National Basketball Association logo, West died at 86, leaving a huge void for sports fans everywhere.
Jerry West reveals exactly how much money he made from being NBA logo – VIDEO
Following the news of his death, several sports figures began posting tribute messages and farewells to one of the NBA’s great icons. One of the first was Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who simply posted a story on his Instagram with a photo of West as an obituary, first published by Bleacher Report:
Another tribute came from current Lakers superstar LeBron James, who wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “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!”
Jerry West remembered by NBA legends
On his part, NBA CommissionerAdam Silver posted: “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.”
Another former Lakers player, Nick Van Exel, posted: “RIP Jerry West. Drafted me in the 2nd round and gave me a shot as a young player that wasn’t the better point guard 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.”
The one considered the GOAT of the NBA, Michael Jordan, also had farewell words for West. He announced this in a statement via Stephen A. Smith: “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.”
As word of Jerry West’s passing spread throughout the day, more sports and journalism personalities joined the tributes on social media for the NBA legend.
