Tributes pour out across social media in honor of Jerry West

— WVU Men’s Basketball Twitter page

“To most of the world, Jerry West was a basketball legend, ‘The Logo.’ But for generations of WV kids, he epitomized our dreams. From a dirt road in Chelyan to WVU to the Lakers, he gave us all hope of what we could be. Anything was possible because of him. Rest in Peace!�

— Chris Richardson, Wheeling University men’s basketball coach

“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, Los Angeles Lakers

“Jerry West lived a profound basketball and American life — iconic as a player, executive and looming figure in the history of the game. He was an MVP, a champion, a gold medalist, a dynasty-builder and literally the league’s logo. His loss leaves a massive void.�

— Adrian Wojnarowski, senior NBA analyst, ESPN

“Honoring the legendary Jerry West.�

— Los Angeles Lakers

“It’s because of Jerry West that there was even ‘Showtime.’ It’s because of you that I am who I am today. You believed in me when no one else did and for that I’m forever grateful. You will always be my ‘Basketball Dad.’ I love you Logo my heart is broken. you will be missed�

— Former Lakers player and coach Byron Scott

“USA Basketball mourns the loss of basketball icon Jerry West. West won gold medals with the 1959 U.S. Pan American Games Team & the 1960 U.S. Olympic Team. He went into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1980 & 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.�

— USA Basketball

“The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jerry West. As a player and an executive, his profound impact on the game of basketball is matched only by his character and integrity. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends in this difficult time. His contributions to basketball will be forever memorialized at the Hall of Fame.�

— Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

“United under one Logo. Jerry West, 1938-2024�

— Los Angeles Clippers

“RIH Jerry West. Drafted me in the 2nd round and gave me a shot as a young player that wasn’t the better pg at the time. Always kept it 100 with me and I always knew where you were coming from. Prayers to the family!! Tough loss.�

— Former Lakers player Nick Van Exel

“Jerry West came from humble West Virginia roots and went on to have one of the most legendary careers in sports history. His impact on WVU, West Virginia and the sport of basketball all over the world is immeasurable. Our thoughts and prayers are with the West family. Mountaineers everywhere mourn his passing while celebrating an extraordinarily well-lived life.�

— Wren Baker, WVU athletic director

“The Dodgers mourn the passing of NBA Hall of Famer and Lakers legend Jerry West, an indelible figure on the Los Angeles sports landscape for more than 60 years. We send our most sincere condolences to his family and friends.�

— Los Angeles Dodgers via Twitter/X

“As the basketball world mourns the man known simply as ‘the logo,’ I join all West Virginians and members of the West Virginia University family in remembering a true legend. There will never be another Jerry West.�

— Gordon Gee, WVU president

“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 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.�

— Adam Silver, NBA commissioner

“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 Jerry explained to me the expectation of wearing the purple and gold, how he saw my role, and how he envisioned me fitting into the organization. I’ll never forget that moment.�

— Former Lakers player Magic Johnson

“Admired him growing up in LA, revered him as a basketball man and loved talking about players and the game with him. He was far more than ‘The Logo.’ Jerry West is imbedded into the very fabric of the game. He literally did it all. RIP Jerry West.�

— ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas

“The passing of Jerry West was a shock. The LOGO impacted every aspect of our sport. As a player, evaluator of talent, a GM and as president of the Grizzlies. We spent time together there and I learned more of him then. Our long conversations over the years were basketball classes for me. We mourn his sudden passing and send prayers to his family.�

— Arkansas men’s basketball coach John Calipari