Jerry West Dies at 86: LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and More Remember Lakers Legend

Jerry West, the legendary NBA champion and the silhouette behind the iconic NBA logo, has passed away at the age of 86. West’s contributions to basketball span several decades, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. He won the 1972 NBA title as a player and eight more as an executive, crafting the blueprint for the Los Angeles Lakers’ 10 championship teams in the 1980s and 2000s. Additionally, he served as an adviser for the Golden State Warriors during their championship runs.

West’s journey began in West Virginia, where he excelled in high school basketball before becoming a standout player at the University of West Virginia. He remains the Mountaineers’ all-time leading scorer with 2,309 points, and his No. 44 jersey has been retired by the school.

Following his stellar collegiate career, West was selected by the Minneapolis Lakers as the No. 2 pick in the 1960 NBA Draft, right after Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson. As a co-captain of the 1960 United States Olympic men’s basketball team, West showcased his skills on an international stage.

Throughout his NBA career, West appeared in 14 NBA All-Star Games and played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ 1972 NBA Finals victory over the New York Knicks, leading the team in assists throughout the series.

“We are overwhelmed by the love, support, and appreciation we have received from friends, colleagues, and basketball fans around the world,” West’s family said in a statement shared by the Clippers. “Jerry took incredible pride in his life-long association with the NBA. He felt fortunate to have been a player, coach, and executive during a time of explosive growth in the league. Above all else, Jerry cherished the close friendships and mentorships he formed with his teammates, coaches, and players throughout his 64-year career. We want to thank you, basketball fans everywhere, for supporting him. You fueled his burning desire to win — he did it for you.”

In the wake of his passing, many prominent figures from the basketball world have paid tribute to West. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, franchise legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, NBA commissioner Adam Silver, and numerous others took to social media to honor the life and legacy of Jerry West.

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

The reason Jerry West is the logo for the NBA is because he embodied the qualities we admire in our best athletes: skills as a player, dedication as a teammate, and integrity as a person. He was my coach, and my advisor, but mostly he was my friend. Today, a part of the continent… pic.twitter.com/oUOxelWavo
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) June 12, 2024

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

Statement from Pat Riley on passing of Jerry West: “I loved Jerry West! We loved being Lakers together; it was sacred ground. We grew in life with each other and shared the best and worst of times together. We can only hope there is someone we meet during a crucial time in our…
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) June 12, 2024

Was a pleasure to have met & get the opportunity to talk with THE LOGO multiple times!
One of the best guards ever & people! R.I.P. to a Legend! 🙏🏽
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) June 12, 2024

Jerry West is one of my favorite people that I had the honor to get to know in the NBA. He welcomed me to the league, offered advice from the first day, and asked nothing in return. He will be missed. Rest in peace.
— Micky Arison (@MickyArison) June 12, 2024