Like Bill Russell or Bill Walton, Jerry West has always been unanimous in the NBA, whether as a player or manager. While the NBA paid tribute to him before Game 3 of the Finals, the tributes multiplied after his death at the age of 86. Starting with Michael Jordan.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of Jerry’s passing. He was truly a friend and a mentor. Like a big brother to me »wrote the six-time NBA champion. “I appreciated his friendship and his knowledge. I always wished I could play against him as a competitor, but the more I got to know him, the more I wanted to be his teammate. I admired his basketball acumen. He and I shared many similarities in the way we approached the game. We will forever miss him. I offer my condolences to his wife, Karen, and his sons. Rest in peace, Logo.”
Skills, dedication and integrity
Another strong message, that of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who knew Jerry West as an opponent, but also as a coach and manager of the Lakers.
“Jerry West is the logo of the NBA because he embodied the qualities we admire in our best athletes: skill as a player, dedication as a teammate, and integrity as a person . He was my coach, my advisor, but above all my friend. Today, part of the continent has broken away and we are all a little smaller. I know this is my case. I would especially like to send my deepest condolences to Karen and the entire West family. »
On Twitter, LeBron James posted this short message: “We will really miss our conversations my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers go out to your wonderful family! I will always love you Jerry! Rest in heaven my guy! »
It is also on social networks that Steve Kerr reacted. “It’s such a sad day. Jerry lived an incredible life. It is obvious that he is one of the great figures in NBA history. One of the greatest players of all time. One of the greatest leaders of all time. And, of course, one of the architects of the Golden State Warriors over the last decade, during which we won four titles. Jerry played an important role in these titles, but also in my life, in my experience as a coach. He was a valuable mentor, someone I called once a month, every season, to get his opinion and advice. He was a wonderful man, an extraordinary mentor.”
someone funny
Jerry West's last employer to whom he had entrusted an “advisor” role, Steve Ballmer posted this message:
“It’s a difficult day. I am honored to call Jerry a confidant, advisor and friend. Connie, my wife, called him my “basketball dad.” He was absolutely my basketball sage: wise, loyal and so much fun. If you were in his presence, you felt his competitiveness and drive. He cared about everything and everyone. From the first day I met Jerry seven years ago, he inspired me with his intelligence, honesty and enthusiasm. He never stopped. I spent a lot of time with him, some of the best times of my life. He always listened attentively and always had a joke. He always made me laugh. I will miss him. »
Even more talkative, Magic Johnson who recounts in particular his first meeting with the “Logo”, but also how he accompanied him throughout his career and throughout his life, even in the most difficult moments.
“I first met Jerry West in 1979 at the Forum, where he introduced me to Bill Sharman, Chick Hearn and Jack Kent Cooke, then owner of the Lakers” Magic Johnson wrote on Wednesday. “My dad, my agent and I negotiated over lunch, then Jerry took me into the locker room to show me my Lakers jersey. I started crying and Jerry explained to me what he expected of me by wearing the gold and purple colors, how he saw my role and how he imagined me fitting into the franchise. I will never forget this moment.
At the start of training camp, he gave me a lot of advice and evaluated every facet of my game. After each practice, he would give me notes on how I could improve and those sessions continued during the regular season. Once a week we looked at what I needed to improve and how I could dominate in the league. These meetings were very important for me, because I learned a lot from him.
For 20 years we hosted a basketball camp in Hawaii, the Jerry West Magic Johnson Fantasy Camp. At that camp, we shared every meal together and that's when we really bonded and solidified our great friendship outside of the Lakers. Jerry West was more than a GM, he was a great friend and confidant. He was there in my strongest moments, when I won five NBA titles, and in my toughest moments, when I learned I had HIV and we cried together for hours in his desk.
Every time I achieved a goal or reached a milestone, one of the first calls I received was from Jerry West. When I started my company, was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame, was named president of the Lakers, he always picked up the phone and called me personally to congratulate me.
Beyond his record as a basketball player and NBA executive, Jerry West was a great man, a leader of men, he deeply loved his family and friends, and despite his jobs in other franchises, he was a lifelong Lakers fan. For Lakers Nation, the reason we won 17 NBA titles is because of Jerry West and his expertise in picking players, making trades, and hiring the right coaches. Today is a sad day for basketball and sports fans around the world. Cookie and I are devastated and continue to pray for his beautiful wife Karen, his sons David, Mark, Michael, Ryan and Jonnie, his extended family and loved ones. »
