A dynasty passing strikes the sports world and Michael Jordan

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Joshua Deeds
June 12, 2024 (7:45 PM)

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Jerry West was a part of the Los Angeles Lakers' earlier dynasties, pre-Buss family ownership of the team.

He was memorialized before his passing long ago, and unfortunately, today was the day when Jerry West, former NBA executive and 3X Hall Of Famer left this world at 86.

Michael Jordan sent a message to Smith to express his heartfelt message. «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 played against him as a competitor but the more I came to know him, I wish I had been his teammate.» He further stated how the two of them connected on the same wavelength when talking about basketball. «I admired his basketball insights, and he and I shared many similarities to how we approach the game. He will forever be missed. My condolences to his family Karen and his sons. Rest in Peace, Logo.»

The Lakers were a benefactor of Jerry West's talents later in life as GM, as they got the best out of him as he traded for Kobe Bryant, noticing the talent which later made him a legend.

He helped assemble a Lakers team which led to 5 NBA championships, and another coup of his, was signing Shaquille O'Neal away from the Orlando Magic as well, another winning piece.

Right when I was signing, he said, �I'm about to get this young kid from high school. We did a deal with Charlotte. We're going to move Vlade (for) a kid named Kobe Bryant and y'all are going to win championships.»

During West's executive career, he attained 8 NBA Champions, 6 with the Lakers, and 2 with the Golden State Warriors. He also helped the Golden State Warriors win their first championship in 40 years during the 2015 season.

He also threatened to quit the team if they traded Klay Thompson for Kevin Love.

West will be remembered a visionary, a legendary player and personality many could look up to.

«It's incredibly sad. The basketball community the world over is mourning on this particular morning because Jerry West was simply one of the great ones. He was the silhouette for a reason,» said Smith.» Um, we know that he was a champion. We know all those times he was going to the finals. We know that he was relevant to the game of basketball, literally, uh, from the sixties until he passed away in his sleep last night.»

Source: Essentially Sports
«Rest in Peace, Logo»: Michael Jordan Is «Deeply Saddened» by the Death of Jerry West, Sends Text Message to Stephen A. Smith