Jerry West’s death sent ripples throughout the NBA on Wednesday morning, with players including Michael Jordan, LeBron James and others from around the league offering their condolences.
The Los Angeles Clippers announced that West passed away at the age of 86. He had a legendary career both on the court and in the front office.
“Jerry West, the epitome of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86,” the team announced. “His wife, Karen, was at his side.”
Tributes flooded in on social media.
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Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan (L) and Jerry West talk during the 71st NBA All-Star Game as part of the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend at the Wolstein Center on Feb. 20, 2022 in Cleveland. (Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jerry. He was a true friend, mentor and brother to me. His friendship and knowledge meant the world to me. I always wished I could have played against him and the more I got to know him the more I wish I had been his teammate. I was impressed with his basketball acumen and we had so much in common in how we approached the game. He will be forever missed. My condolences to his wife Karen and sons. Rest in Peace Logo.”
LeBron James
Jerry West, left, and LeBron James talk during the NBA 75 group photo shoot as part of the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Feb. 20, 2022 in Cleveland. (Michael J. Lebrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images)
“Dear friend, I will truly miss our conversations! Heartfelt wishes to your wonderful family! Eternal love from Jerry! Rest in peace my friend.”
“My mentors, my friends! I hope to continue to make you all proud!”
Photos: Sports stars who died in 2024
Adam Silver
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (left) and NBA Hall of Famer and Los Angeles Clippers executive director Jerry West announce that the 2026 NBA All-Star Game will be held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. (Keith Birmingham/Media News Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)
“Jerry West was a basketball genius and a league icon for more than six decades. Not only was he an NBA champion and All-Star in each of his 14 seasons, he also earned a reputation as a consummate competitor who seized the biggest moments. He was the league’s first Finals MVP and his situational rise to the occasion earned him the nickname ‘Mr. Clutch.'”
“Jerry’s four decades with the Lakers included success as a head coach and a distinguished front office that cemented his reputation as one of the greatest executives in the history of sports. He built eight championship teams during his NBA tenure and a legacy that reflected his excellence on the court. And he will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor this October, the first person to be inducted as both a player and a contributor.”
“I treasured my friendship with Jerry and the knowledge he shared with me over the years about basketball and life. On behalf of the NBA, I offer my deepest condolences to Jerry’s wife Karen, his family and his many friends in the NBA community.”
National Basketball Players Association
Los Angeles Lakers player Jerry West (number 44) watches the game from the sidelines. (Focus on Sport via Getty Images)
“The NBPA mourns the passing of Jerry West.
“Our condolences go out to the West family and the countless people who were positively impacted by his enormous contributions to the world of basketball.”
Joe Lacob, Warriors team owner
Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob (center right) and NBA legend Jerry West (center left) watch a game between the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on March 27, 2013 in Oakland, California. (Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
“Jerry West was an incredibly unique individual who accomplished immeasurable things in the game of basketball. He reached the pinnacle of the sport both as a player and an executive, something few in this profession have accomplished. He made significant contributions to the NBA, the game of basketball and each of the teams he was involved with, including the Warriors, throughout his unparalleled career. Jerry had a profound and immeasurable impact on our franchise and was a major contributor to our success over the last decade.”
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“Personally, even though as a kid I grew up in Massachusetts as a Celtics fan, Jerry was my idol and I loved him. To me, he was basketball. He was the embodiment of not just the actual game, but the competitive spirit. He was the most competitive person I’ve ever met and he wouldn’t settle for anything less than greatness. He had to win. That’s what drove him. He was larger than life. He was an icon.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of his passing and offer our prayers and support to his wife Karen, his entire family and the NBA community.”
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