Jerry West, the NBA legend, passed away at 86, leaving a lasting legacy as both a player and executive. Known for his visionary contributions, West was a three-time Hall of Famer revered throughout the basketball community. Stephen A. Smith conveyed a heartfelt message from Michael Jordan about West’s death.
Michael Jordan expressed his sorrow through a message to Smith: “I am deeply saddened by Jerry’s passing. He was like an older brother, a mentor, and a friend. I valued his friendship and knowledge. I admired his basketball insights, and we shared many similarities in how we approached the game. He will be forever missed. My condolences to his family.”
Smith echoed Jordan’s sentiments, noting the basketball community’s collective mourning. “It’s incredibly sad. Jerry West was one of the greats, the silhouette for a reason. He remained relevant from the sixties until his passing.”
West’s executive career included eight NBA championships-six with the Lakers and two with the Golden State Warriors. He helped the Warriors win their first championship in 40 years in 2015 and famously threatened to quit if the team traded Klay Thompson for Kevin Love in 2014.
Jerry West’s legacy remembered
Jerry West’s unparalleled influence in basketball will be celebrated and remembered as the community grieves his loss. His strategic brilliance shaped the success of generations of players and teams.
As the Lakers’ general manager, West led the team to five NBA championships during the Showtime era. He orchestrated key moves, such as trading for Kobe Bryant and signing Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq recalled on his podcast how West’s plan included the young Bryant, promising future championships.
