Sports legends and friends remember NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West

Jerry West, who inspired the NBA logo and was a Hall of Fame basketball player who won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, has died at the age of 86.

West had his wife, Karen, by his side when he died Wednesday morning, the Clippers organization said in a statement.

She and the family released a statement that said: 

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 friendships 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.

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West was the general manager of the Lakers from 1982 to 2000 and the Memphis Grizzlies from 2002 to 2007. He was a consultant with the Golden State Warriors from 2011 to 2017 and with the Clippers until his death. 

West leaves behind an iconic legacy in the sport of basketball and many are paying tribute to him on social media including Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, NBA commissioner Adam Silver, and many others.