Messages have been pouring from the NBA community, remembering NBA icon and Hall of Famer Jerry West, who passed away at the age of 86.
The Los Angeles Clippers confirmed the development on Wednesday night.
"Jerry West, the personification 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 Clippers posted.
[ALSO READ: NBA icon and Hall of Famer Jerry West passes away at 86]Jerry West, the personification 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
The NBA family pays tribute to a legend of the game, Jerry West. pic.twitter.com/E4eJh1tJdw
— NBA (@NBA) June 13, 2024
Here are some messages of remembrance from all over the league.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver:
Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years. He distinguished himself not only as an NBA champion and an All-Star in all 14 of his playing seasons, but also as a consummate competitor who embraced the biggest moments. He was the league’s first Finals MVP and made rising to the occasion his signature quality, earning him the nickname ‘Mr. Clutch’.
Jerry’s four decades with the Lakers also included a successful stint as a head coach and a remarkable run in the front office that cemented his reputation as one of the greatest executives in sports history. He helped build eight championship teams during his tenure in the NBA – a legacy of achievement that mirrors his on-court excellence. And he will be enshrined this October into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor, becoming the first person ever inducted as both a player and a contributor.
I valued my friendship with Jerry and the knowledge he shared with me over many years about basketball and life. On behalf of the NBA, we send our deepest condolences to Jerry’s wife, Karen, his family and his many friends in the NBA community.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Jerry West. pic.twitter.com/8XspFQO3d0
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 12, 2024
Karen West and family
We are overwhelmed by the love, support, and appreciation we have received from friends, colleagues, and basketball fans around the world.
Jerry took incredible pride in his life-long association with the NBA. He felt fortunate to have been a player, coach, and executive during a time of explosive growth in the league. Above all else, Jerry cherished the close friendship and mentorships he formed with teammates, coaches, and players throughout his 64-year-career.
We want to thank you, basketball fans everywhere, for supporting him. You fueled his burning desire to win--he did it for you.
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) June 13, 2024
Los Angeles Clippers
Today, the world has lost an icon and a national treasure, as beloved in the hollows of West Virginia as he was in the hills of Los Angeles and all points in between. The Clippers have lost a mentor, a confidant, and a friend We are simultaneously devastated and honored to have witnessed the last chapter of Jerry West's legendary career. To the end, he was a fierce competitor, a giving teammate, and a lot of fun. His passion for the game was without parallel. His wisdom, his generosity, and his humor are forever sewn into the fabric of the franchise. He gave his heart to everything and everyone he touched. Our deepest condolences go out to the West family and the entire basketball community, united under one Logo.
United under one Logo.
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) June 12, 2024
Jerry West, 1938-2024 ?? pic.twitter.com/AiFtYjuhlz
Los Angeles Lakers
Honoring the legendary Jerry West pic.twitter.com/vN9gzMPVMc
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 12, 2024
LeBron James
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!
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 James (@KingJames) June 12, 2024
Michael Jordan (via Stephen A. Smith/First Take)
I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry's passing. He was truly a friend and 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 condolence to his wife, Karen, and his sons. RIP, Logo.
Charles Barkley
It's been a rough week for our NBA family... the world was a better place with Mr. West being in it.
"It's been a rough week for our NBA family... the world was a better place with Mr. West being in it."
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 12, 2024
Charles Barkley on Jerry West pic.twitter.com/rtj3RrjBVB
Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics' moment of silence for Jerry West
The Mavericks and Celtics honor the life and memory of Jerry West with a moment of silence. pic.twitter.com/rQXETfAn5Z
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 13, 2024
Isiah Thomas
Rest in Peace, we lost a great one today.
Rest in Peace we lost a great one today. https://t.co/guYvfFl144
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) June 12, 2024