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On Wednesday morning, the basketball world was hit with sad news. Former NBA and Los Angeles Lakers legend Jerry West passed away at the age of 86. West had a tremendous impact as a player and executive, influencing countless athletes, including former Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith read Jordan's statement live amid the tragic news.
“I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry's passing. He was truly a friend and a mentor, like an older brother to me. I valued his friendship and knowledge. I always wished I could have played against him as a competitor, but the more I came to know him, I wish I had been his teammate. I admired his basketball insights, and he and I shared many similarities to how we approached the game. He will be forever missed. My condolences to his wife Karen and his sons. Rest in peace, Logo,” Jordan wrote, per Stephen A. Smith on First Take.
It is safe to say Michael Jordan's Bulls run was partially inspired by Jerry West. West had a tremendous 14-year career with the Lakers that ran from 1960 to 1974. He earned All-Star honors each season and boasted career averages of 27.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds over 39.2 minutes per game. In addition, he shot 47.4 percent from the floor and 81.4 percent from the free-throw line.
West earned three Hall of Fame accolades as a player (1979), a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team, and a basketball contributor (2024). The legendary player and executive made an undeniable impact on the basketball world, and he will be dearly missed.
Jerry West's impact goes beyond the hardwood
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In addition to his play on the court, West was a renowned basketball executive. He became the general manager of the Lakers in 1982 and helped build the franchise's 80's dynasty that won five championships between 1980 and 1998. While he did not lead the teams to their first two titles, he played a significant role in adding three more in 1985, 1987, and 1988.
West also built the impressive 90's Lakers squad that eventually added Shaquille O'Neal during the summer of 1996. Not long after, West made way for LA to draft Kobe Bryant, and another dynasty was born. The Lakers won three straight championships between 2000 and 2002. West stepped down in 2000, but his efforts helped lay the groundwork for the franchise to keep thriving.
West then had a stint as a GM for the Memphis Grizzlies (2002 to 2007) and later became a board member for the Golden State Warriors in 2011, where he remained until 2017. He helped build yet another dynasty with the Dubs, as they won four championships between 2015 to 2022.
The legendary executive then migrated to the Los Angeles Clippers in June 2017, where he has remained an executive board member and consultant ever since.
Jerry West's executive prowess rubbed off on Michael Jordan. Jordan never led the Bulls' operations, but he became the owner of the Charlotte Hornets.
Jordan's reflection on West was truly heartfelt and further shows the impact he made on the basketball community. West's contributions will continue to remain for a long time.
