SUMMARY
- Jerry West lost his life at the age of 86.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was one among many NBA stars to share a few words on West.
Jerry West was the man who inspired the logo for several reasons. The legend contributed his talents to the Los Angeles Lakers from 1961 to 1974. He was one of the biggest achievers in the NBA becoming the third player to cross 25,000 points since the merger. And only a few days after the NBA lost Bill Walton, the greatest Portland Trail Blazer, West lost his life as well.
The NBA family pays tribute to a legend of the game, Jerry West. pic.twitter.com/E4eJh1tJdw
— NBA (@NBA) June 13, 2024
Mr. Clutch was more than just a legendary player. Despite winning an NBA title, the MVP award, having multiple All-Star selections, and All-NBA selections, West meant more to the league. Jerry served as an executive for several years and was responsible for acquiring players like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. He also won eight championships as an executive.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sends out a heartfelt message to Jerry West
If there is one person whose life was majority impacted by Jerry West, it is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Just like the deceased 86-year-old, Kareem also played for the Lakers for a good chunk of his career. Following West’s death, the NBA’s former scoring leader sent a heartfelt message via X.
He said, “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 has broken off and we are all left a little smaller. I know I am. I especially want to send my deepest condolences to Karen and the entire West family.”
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
Ultimately, West was forced to retire from being an executive due to various health complications. But West also had various mental health struggles that started from experiencing a rough childhood, something that he candidly speaks about in his memoir.
What was Jerry West’s cause of death?
The Los Angeles Clippers organization was the first to announce Jerry West’s death. The cause of his passing remains unknown while more details are waiting to be uncovered. Several other NBA stars such as Byronn Scott also reacted to West’s passing and he also called the Laker legend his “Basketball Dad”.
Oscar Robertson issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Jerry West. pic.twitter.com/qgF8SdyKcl
— NBA (@NBA) June 12, 2024
Magic Johnson, James Worthy, and Michael Jordan were a few that sent out their condolences. Oscar Robertson, Jerry’s biggest rival back in his day also shared a few words. He said, “I do not have the words at this moment to express how I feel. Great friend, great competitor, great for the sport of basketball. Will always have love in my heart for number 44.” The death of Jerry West has brought a legendary era of basketball, closer to its end.