NBA legend Jerry West passed away on Wednesday morning, June 12, at 86, according to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he worked as a consultant.
The all-time great player and executive touched many lives in his extensive basketball career, including Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson, who wrote a lengthy statement about their relationship.
"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," the 64-year-old posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Johnson fondly recalled that they held the Jerry West Magic Johnson Fantasy Camp for 20 years in Hawaii, which solidified their friendship outside of basketball as they shared meals and bonded.
The Hall of Fame point guard added that West would always be among the first to call him whenever he achieved a huge milestone or accomplishment.
Jerry West's massive Lakers legacy
West spent four decades with the Los Angeles Lakers from 1960 to 2000 in various capacities, first as an all-time great player from 1960 to 1974.
The 1969 NBA Finals MVP later coached the team from 1976 to 1979 and subsequently transitioned to a front-office executive role, becoming general manager in 1982.
He was responsible for many of the moves that resulted in multiple NBA championships, such as drafting Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant and signing Shaquille O'Neal in free agency.
"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," Johnson declared.
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