NBA legend and baseball icon Jerry West passed away this morning at the age of 86. West was known as “The Logo” due to the fact that he is literally the NBA logo. However, This death has taken the basketball world by surprise, and many around the globe are in deep mourning. Although West was an inspiration for many, his play on the court was second to none. The one-time NBA champion will never be forgotten.
According to TMZ, West was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1960. He became a star right away, averaging 17 points per game as a rookie and 30 points per game his sophomore season. West played 14 seasons in the NBA, all with the Lakers. He made the all-star team each season and won a championship.
Remembering Jerry West
However, Players from around the league have united to honor this all-time great. “Will truly miss our convos my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers go out to your wonderful family! Forever love Jerry! Rest in Paradise, my guy,” LeBron James said. “THE WORD “DOG” COMES UP ALOT… WELL I WAS A WOLF BC I USE TO EAT DOGS.! -JERRY WEST,” wrote Jae Crowder. “R.I.P Jerry. Legends Live On,” said Dwight Howard.
NBA legend Michael Jordan also offered his condolences to Jerry West’s family following his passing. Jordan revealed that he wished he had been able to play with or against West during his NBA career.
“I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry’s passing. He was truly a friend and mentor — like an older brother to me. I valued his friendship and knowledge. I always wished I could have played against him as a competitor, but the more I came to know him, I wish I had been his teammate. I admired his basketball insights and he and I shared many similarities to how we approached the game. He will be forever missed! My condolences to his wife, Karen, and his sons. RIP, Logo.”
Jerry West was a huge asset to the Lakers even after he stepped off the court. He would eventually become the team’s General Manager. West would usher in the “Showtime Lakers” era and bring five more championships to Los Angeles.
Another huge moment was when West traded for the draft rights to select another all-time great, Kobe Bryant. Bryant would bring yet another five championships to the Lakers organization. Bryant and West are now two Lakers legends that will forever be remembered by NBA fans around the world.
Jerry West is truly an NBA icon, and his legacy will forever be cemented as the one and only logo. Rest in peace to an all-time great. No one will ever forget how much you brought to the game of Basketball.
