Jerry West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three times in a storied career, died Wednesday morning, the NBA announced.
He was 86.
Nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his late-game exploits as a player, West went into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1980 and again as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic Team in 2010. He will be enshrined for a third time later this year as a contributor, the first member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame to be inducted as both a player and a contributor.
NBA legends, current players and other members of the basketball community took to social media to reflect on West’s career, contributions and personal friendships.
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 on the passing of NBA Legend Jerry West: pic.twitter.com/iHmQS3oVrh
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) June 12, 2024
Oscar Robertson issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Jerry West. pic.twitter.com/qgF8SdyKcl
— NBA (@NBA) June 12, 2024
May my all time first team shooting guard rest in peace knowing he paved the way for defining greatness on the hardwood, excellence in the front office and living life his way. Jerry is one of one and claims the right to be the logo forever. My condolences to his family.
Doc
— Julius Dr J Erving (@JuliusErving) June 12, 2024
I met Jerry West for the first time in 1979 at the Forum where he introduced me to Bill Sharman, Chick Hearn, and then Laker owner Jack Kent Cooke. My father, agent and I negotiated over lunch then Jerry took me to the locker room to show me my Lakers jersey. I started to cry and… pic.twitter.com/o9xMDu50Wv
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 12, 2024
Honoring the legendary Jerry West pic.twitter.com/vN9gzMPVMc
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 12, 2024
An unmatched legacy 💙 pic.twitter.com/WHJk4AubvE
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) June 12, 2024
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
"Jerry West was an incredible and unique individual, having accomplished immeasurable heights in the game of basketball. He reached the absolute pinnacle of the sport as both a player and executive, something few can claim in the profession. He did so much for the NBA, the game… pic.twitter.com/Z40V4gzJka
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) June 12, 2024
West Virginia University mourns the passing of the legendary Jerry West, an iconic figure in basketball history.
Forever a Mountaineer. pic.twitter.com/M4ZYxUBTEL
— WVU Men's Basketball (@WVUhoops) June 12, 2024
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