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Adam Silver, LeBron James, Michael Jordan react to death of Jerry West: ‘He was the silhouette for a reason’

On Wednesday morning, the Los Angeles Clippers announced the death of basketball legend death of basketball legend Jerry West.

Jerry West, the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86. His wife, Karen, was by his side. pic.twitter.com/iMwOXmCT2B

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) June 12, 2024

Throughout the day, the basketball world took time to pay their respects to the late guard, a 14-time All-Star and championship executive whose silhouette became the inspiration for the NBA’s iconic logo.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement Wednesday morning, sharing his condolences to the basketball great and noting his excellence as a executive as well as player.

“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,” Silver said in the statement. “I valued my friendship with Jerry and the knowledge he shared with me over many years about basketball and life.”

Current Lakers star LeBron James took to social media to praise West for his friendship. “Will truly miss our convos my dear friend!” James wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Rest in Paradise my guy!”

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

NBA great Michael Jordan released a statement via ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, which Smith read on Wednesday’s episode of First Take.

“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.”

Michael Jordan texted…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/adam-silver-lebron-james-michael-jordan-react-to-death-of-jerry-west-he-was-the-silhouette-for-a-reason-150414172.html

Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-06-12 15:04:14

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