Image Source: Instagram
[Saba Sports News] Jerry West profoundly impacted some of the greatest basketball players, including Michael Jordan.
West passed away on Wednesday at age 86. Following the news from the Los Angeles Clippers, Jordan issued a heartfelt statement, calling West “like an older brother.”
“I am deeply saddened by Jerry’s passing. He was a friend and mentor — like an older brother to me,” Jordan wrote. “I valued his friendship and knowledge. I always wished I could have played against him, but the more I knew him, I wished I had been his teammate. I admired his basketball insights, and we shared many similarities in our approach to the game. He will be forever missed! My condolences to his wife, Karen, and his sons. RIP, Logo.”
Jordan referred to West as “Logo,” a nickname referencing West’s silhouette on the NBA logo, used since 1969.
West played for the Lakers for all 14 seasons of his career, coached the team for three years, and worked as a scout and executive from 1979-2000, during which Jordan competed against many of his assembled teams.
Few have left as significant a mark on the NBA as West, evident in the tributes from Jordan and other legends.