'A basketball genius:' Sports world reacts to death of Jerry West
Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Jerry West died Wednesday morning at the age of 86, and the sports world was quick to offer its thoughts and condolences on one of the most influential players and executives basketball has ever seen.
West was a two-time executive of the year after his playing days, but is perhaps most known for being the silhouette of the NBA logo and earning his place in basketball lore with his nickname "Mr. Clutch."
The Los Angeles Clippers, who made the announcement, said West was “the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him.”
He is a three-time Hall of Fame inductee; First as a player in 1980, next a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic Team in 2010, and will be inducted in September as a contributor.
Here are some social media reactions to West's passing:
Honoring the legendary Jerry West pic.twitter.com/vN9gzMPVMc
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 12, 2024
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Jerry West. pic.twitter.com/8XspFQO3d0
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 12, 2024
Warriors Co-Executive Chairman & CEO Joe Lacob statement on the passing of Jerry West: pic.twitter.com/ifjcyilnHz
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) June 12, 2024
The Dodgers mourn the passing of NBA Hall of Famer and Lakers legend Jerry West, an indelible figure on the Los Angeles sports landscape for more than 60 years. We send our most sincere condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/wdRMw137lg
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 12, 2024
West Virginia University mourns the passing of the legendary Jerry West, an iconic figure in basketball history.
Forever a Mountaineer. pic.twitter.com/M4ZYxUBTEL— WVU Men's Basketball (@WVUhoops) June 12, 2024
❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/aROhSFMHgI
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) June 12, 2024
😢😢😢 pic.twitter.com/0e84dXHFJn
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) June 12, 2024
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
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
Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA Legend Jerry West: pic.twitter.com/iHmQS3oVrh
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) June 12, 2024
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jerry West. As a player and an executive, his profound impact on the game of basketball is matched only by his character and integrity. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends in… pic.twitter.com/FJEDr7HKVq
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) June 12, 2024
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jerry West dies at 86: Sports world pays respects to basketball icon
