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Lakers Release Statement Following Death Of Jerry West

Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jerry West (44) in a portrait session at The Forum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports
Story by Lakers NationWritten by Corey Hansford, Lakers Nation

Jerry West will forever go down as one of the greatest members of the Los Angeles Lakers organization ever. Not only did he star as a player, but he helped to build numerous Lakers championship teams as the general manager and is widely considered one of the greatest executives in NBA history as well.

It was announced on Wednesday morning that West passed away at the age of 86 as the world mourns the loss of a legend, icon and the logo of the NBA. Even though he hadn’t been an official member of the franchise in decades, he will always be Lakers family.

As such, the franchise honored West following the news, both taking to social media in order to pay tribute while also releasing a statement after his passing:

“Jerry West is forever a basketball icon. He brought Lakers fans their first championship in Los Angeles in 1972 and was integral to another six titles during his time with us. Our thoughts are with the West family and the many NBA fans who honor his legacy. Jerry West will always be a Lakers legend.”

Related video: Warriors reflect on death of NBA legend Jerry West (KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco)

Being remembered for his legendary play and team leadership,

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A basketball icon and Lakers legend only begins to describe the man that was Jerry West. Every legend of the game has some sort of relationship and connection with West and the respect for him throughout the entire NBA family is immense.

West spent his entire 14-year career with the Lakers, helping them win their first championship after moving to Los Angeles in 1972. He was an All-Star in each of those 14 seasons while also being a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection. He was also the first-ever NBA Finals MVP in a losing effort.

West will never be forgotten and the legacy of the Lakers legend will continue to live on throughout not just in the organization, but the NBA as a whole.

LeBron James offers condolences after passing of Lakers legend Jerry West

To that point, current Lakers superstar LeBron James made sure to take to social media following the news of Jerry West’s passing to offer his condolences to him and his family.

LeBron called West a mentor and friend while acknowledging that he will miss the conversations the two shared throughout the years. Even though the two weren’t members of this organization at the same time, they were obviously still family and shared an immense amount of love and respect.

LeBron James Reacts To Death Of Lakers Legend Jerry West

 

CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 20: NBA Legends, Jerry West and LeBron James talk during the NBA 75 Group Photo as part of the 2022 NBA All Star Weekend on February 20, 2022 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images) Michael J. LeBrecht II/Getty Images
Story by The SpunWritten by Tzvi Machlin

The NBA lost an icon this week as eight-time NBA champion Jerry West passed away at 86 years old. Among the first to offer their condolences is none other than LeBron James.

Taking to X this morning, the Los Angeles Lakers megastar offered his thoughts and prayers to West's family while saying that he's going to miss their conversations together. He referred to West as his "dear friend."

"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 wrote.

West made his mark in basketball as a college player, an NBA player, an NBA head coach and an NBA executive. He won an NBA title playing for the Lakers in 1972 and made the All-Star Game in 14 of his 15 seasons.

But his lasting legacy is undoubtedly as one of the architects behind the "Showtime" Lakers of the 1980s, which brought five titles to the team between 1980 and 1988, and laid the foundation for the Kobe-Shaq Lakers by trading for Kobe Bryant, signing Shaquille O'Neal and hiring Phil Jackson.

West didn't get to reap the rewards of building the Lakers' new dynasty, but he held an executive role on the Golden State Warriors from 2011 to 2017, during which the team won two more NBA titles. 

Our hearts go out to West's family and loved ones.