NBA legend and rumored inspiration behind the league’s logo, Jerry Taypassed away at the age of 86.
RELATED: Former NBA player Delonte West has reportedly been released from prison after being arrested on multiple charges
More details about Jerry West’s passing
According to NBAThe Los Angeles Clippers confirmed West’s passing Xformerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday, June 12. The organization noted that West has served as an “advisor” to the group for the past seven years.
“Jerry West, the embodiment 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,” the LA tweet read. Clippers wrote.
Jerry West, the embodiment 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
Based on ABC News, West entered the league as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1960 “by the then-Minneapolis Lakers.” According to the report, he has averaged “27 points, 6.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game during his career.”
According to NBA, West also served as “general manager of eight NBA championship teams with the Los Angeles Lakers.” Additionally, he worked with the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors.
Furthermore, West is said to be responsible for drafting the likes of Magic Johnson and scouted Lakers icon Kobe Bryant.
The NBA adding that the legend was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame three times. The newspaper reported that “West’s silhouette is considered the basis of the NBA logo.”
“While it has never been officially stated that the logo is Jerry West, it certainly looks a lot like him,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in 2021, according to the report. GAME.
LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Adam Silver Share statements
Before the Clippers revealed West’s death, ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski offered X to share a message about the West.
“Jerry West lived a profoundly American and basketball life — iconic as a player, executive and an looming figure in the sport’s history. He is the MVP, champion, gold medalist, dynasty builder and quite literally the symbol of the league. His loss leaves a huge void,” he wrote.
Jerry West lived a profoundly American and basketball life — iconic as a player, executive and an looming figure in the sport’s history. He is the MVP, champion, gold medalist, dynasty builder and quite literally the symbol of the league. His loss leaves a huge void. pic.twitter.com/vE3fQc5XuE
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 12, 2024
Current Lakers player LeBron James also took the stage to share his own message to the West.
“Will really miss our convoy, my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers go out to your wonderful family! Always love Jerry! Rest in peace my boy!…” he wrote.
Will really miss our convoy, my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers go out to your wonderful family! Always love Jerry! Rest in paradise my boy! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🤎
– LeBron James (@KingJames) June 12, 2024
Based on CNNMichael Jordan’s representative shared a statement on his behalf.
“I am extremely saddened by the news of Jerry’s passing. He is truly a friend and a mentor. Like an older brother to me. I appreciate his friendship and knowledge. I always wished I could compete with him as an opponent, but the more I got to know him, I wished I was his teammate. I admire his basketball insights, and he and I have many similarities in the way we approach the game. He will be forever missed. I extend my condolences to his wife, Karen, and his sons. Rest in peace Logo,” Jordan declared.
Furthermore, the official NBA Communications account shared Commissioner Adam Silver’s statement via X.
“Jerry’s four decades with the Lakers also included a successful stint as a head coach and remarkable front office performance that cemented his reputation as one of the great executives best in sports history. He helped build eight championship teams during his tenure in the NBA – a legacy of achievement that reflects his on-court excellence… On behalf of the NBA, we extend our deepest condolences to his wife. Jerry, Karen, his family and many friends in the NBA. NBA community,” the statement read in part.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement today regarding the passing of Jerry West. pic.twitter.com/8XspFQO3d0
– NBA Media (@NBAPR) June 12, 2024
Social media tribute to Jerry West
Social media users reacted to the news of West’s death Dark Room commentary.
Instagram user @_taleaaaa wrote, “There’s been so much sad news lately 😭. Praying for his family and friends 🫶🏽”
While Instagram user @mannysolo added: “Great, his legacy will be clearly remembered. He is the logo 🙏🏾 RIH #Legend”
Instagram user @dkirk_kv wrote, “Wow 😮 NBA logo approved🕊️🕊️🕊️”
While Instagram user @syaridakid added: “Damn jerry west logo! This damn legend is a tuff day! undervalued”
Instagram user @aball_dotcom wrote, “RIP to Logo!! There would be no dynamic duo of Shaq and Kobe without the brilliance of Jerry West! Sad day for LakerNation. 😔”
While Instagram user @geewavy_ added: “Logos! Reunited with Kobe! 🙏🏽”
Instagram User @coreyborner24 wmemorize, “PEACE, IN THE DAY OF THE WEEK…”
Rapper Fat Joe added, “🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽”
RELATED: NFL Hall of Famer Larry Allen passed away at age 52
