After NBA fans found out that Jerry West had passed away, posts soon went viral on social media reminding members of the basketball community about his relationship with Kobe Bryant and other former and current players on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Almost all fans will know that Kobe Bryant passed away more than 3 years ago. His tragic death at a relatively young age had an impact on the NBA world and the members of the Lakers organization. After all, Bryant won 5 championships during his career with the Lakers and is widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, players in the history of the franchise.
There’s a melancholic feeling seeing this photograph by @natlyphoto today from the NBA 75th Anniversary Team celebration and Jerry West later explaining to me the feeling behind the honored Lakers leaving a space open for Kobe Bryant: pic.twitter.com/PbUsSOekoT
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 12, 2024
When the NBA announced the top 75 players in league history during its 75th anniversary, there was a photo including the best players on the Lakers. Jerry West was one of them and also thoughtful enough to ensure that there was a space between the legends in order to pay respect to Kobe Bryant. Although West and Kobe never played together, they undoubtedly had a special relationship over the years.
Fans Recall Jerry West’s Words to Shaquille O’Neal After He Discovered Kobe Bryant for the first time
Even after retiring as a player, West continued to be associated with the league as a coach and soon even became the General Manager for the Los Angeles Lakers. He ensured that the Lakers established themselves as a dynasty.
When Shaquille O’Neal was pondering over leaving the Orlando Magic in order to contend for an NBA title, West urged him to take his talents to the Los Angeles Lakers due to the fact that he ‘discovered’ a rookie that could potentially transform into the best player in the NBA.
“Shaquille, we just drafted a kid who’s the best player in the draft… he’s gonna be the best player in the league one day.”
– Jerry West on how he discovered Kobe and brought him to the Lakers 🙏🏽❤️
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) June 12, 2024
One can only imagine the impression Kobe Bryant had on Jerry West for him to make such a declaration even before Kobe played for the Lakers. Although Shaq was not too convinced in the beginning, the 3 championships that he won consecutively alongside Bryant proved West’s words to hold a significant amount of truth.
this interview brings me to tears everytime i watch it 😭 RIP legend 🕊️
— Pack Mamba (@Pack_Mamba) June 12, 2024
Jerry West proved himself to be a lot more than just an ordinary former star. He even joined several other teams with a position in upper management such as the Golden State Warriors and helped them establish dynasties in the NBA.
Los Angeles Lakers legends pay tribute to Jerry West
Although Jerry West reached the ripe old age of 86 years before peacefully passing away in his sleep, his loss was still felt by several former and current Lakers stars. Many of them, such as LeBron James and Pau Gasol, took to social media in order to share their thoughts regarding his passing.
My mentor, My friend! Hopefully I continue to make you proud! 🥲. You’re already missed!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 12, 2024
Rest in peace, dear Jerry. Thank you for everything you have done and given to this game. pic.twitter.com/aScTL7WqL1
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) June 12, 2024
While the younger NBA fans may assume that the veteran players from over half a century ago have no relevance and impact on the modern league, that could not be further from the truth in the case of the late Jerry West.