Wednesday was a mournful day for the basketball and sports world as Los Angeles Lakers legend Jerry West passed away at the age of 86. Multiple people that have also had legacies cemented with the Lakers like Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, and Magic Johnson commented on the death of West with all having fond memories.
Jackson was the head coach for the Lakers for two seasons when West was an executive where they both won a title in 2000 consisting of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal. The former Los Angeles leader would say it is a “sad day in the NBA” in reference to the passing of West.
“It's a sad day in the NBA. Jerry [West] has been a vibrant, dynamic force in the league for as long as he played, as long as he's coached, and been a general manager,” Jackson said via Spectrum Sports Net.
West's list of accomplishments and accolades is lengthy as he was successful in any role in basketball whether it be as a player, a head coach, or executive. As a player for the Lakers, he won a championship in 1972, was NBA Finals MVP in 1969 even though the team lost, was an 14-time All-Star, among others.
Pat Riley releases statement on the passing of Lakers icon Jerry West
Current Miami Heat president Pat Riley, who also is a former Lakers head coach that worked closely with West during the era of “Showtime,” released a statement on his passing. Riley would say he loved West and they “grew in life with each other and shared the best and worst of times together.”
“I loved Jerry West! We loved being Lakers together; it was sacred ground,” Riley said. “We grew in life with each other and shared the best and worst of times together. We can only hope there is someone we meet during a crucial time in our lives that will change you in ways you could dream about. Jerry was that person for me.
“Chris and I pray the Good Lord will look after Karen and his family during this most difficult time,” Riley continued. “May peace be with them. And Jerry, one day, my good friend, we will meet again. Just save me a burger, milkshake and custard with whipped cream. The best lunch I ever had. Until then, Rest in Peace.”
Magic Johnson calls Jerry West a ‘leader of men'
Part of that “Showtime” Lakers team along with Riley as the head coach and West as an executive was legendary player Magic Johnson who was the main star of those teams that won five championships. Johnson would share his sadness for the news on his X (formerly known as Twitter) account saying that he was a “leader of men.”
“Beyond his basketball accolades as a basketball player and NBA executive, Jerry West was a great man, a leader of men, fiercely loved his family and friends, and despite holding jobs with other franchises, he was a Lakers fan for life,” Johnson said. “Laker Nation, the only reason we have 17 NBA championships is because of Jerry West and his expertise drafting players, trading for players, and hiring the right coaches. Today is a sad day for basketball fans and sports fans across the globe.”
There is no doubt that the basketball world will continue to remember and honor the legacy of West.
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