RIP to the Logo: he's probably the most important Laker of all time when you include the executive stuff. Drafting Worthy, Scott, Kobe (technically trade), Eddie Jones, Nick Van Exel. Signing Shaq, Trading for Mychal Thompson, Horry. Only player to have won Finals MVP on the losing side just incredible.
one of the most legendary and influential people in NBA history guy was an all time great player and somehow, he became an even better executive. 7 titles in total during his time as a player and exec with the lakers, and two more in 01 and 02 that he was responsible for. one of the best eyes for talent the league has ever seen. its a sad day for the NBA RIP logo
The magic statement is worth a full read: "We had a basketball camp in Hawaii called the Jerry West Magic Johnson Fantasy Camp for 20 years. At the camp we shared every meal together and that’s when we really bonded and solidified our great friendship outside of the Lakers. Jerry West was more than a general manager, he was a great friend and confidante. He was there in my highest moments, winning 5 NBA Championships, and in my lowest moment when I announced my HIV diagnosis and we cried together for hours in his office."
We don’t know the truth behind the recent bad blood between the Lakers and Jerry. Had heard allegedly it stemmed from Jerry disapproving of Jeanie and Phil’s relationship. For all we know, maybe Jerry said some things for which Jeanie was justified to be upset But come on, this is an embarrassingly short statement for the passing of one of the most legendary icons in our team history
i think that pathetic statement says it all about how jeannie still viewed jerry she's such a s***stain on this organization
Jerry had some nasty public statements about the Lakers after Jeanie chose Magic to run the show following Jim’s ouster and during the Clippers and Lakers pursuit of Kawhi. Who knows about the other stuff with his resentment of the Phil situation.
So sad, I frigging love Jerry West. Jerry and Kobe were cut from the same cloth, they were tough as nails. Jerry's emotional turmoil over losing was intense. I feel it to this day. I always felt sorry for him. I truly wish that Jeanie Buss had figured out a better way to deal with him and it will always be my one bone of contention with the Buss family. Of course, I also understand that bringing in Jackson was what cemented all our championships in the 80's. Jerry is singularly responsible for me becoming a fan of the NBA and the Lakers, without him, none of this happens. Period, probably no Kobe, no Shaq, no Worthy, no Lebron, no Kareem, etc etc. Without him setting the table, probably no Jerry Buss either. Thank you Jerry and may you are your family find peace.
I do not know how Jerry went to the NBA Finals 9 times but only won 1 title? At least Jerry won 8 titles as a general manager, rest in peace Jerry
That showed Mr. West has been a major influence, that is classy of Warriors and Clippers to do that! Warriors and Clippers have my respect!
I literally could have written a better statement than the team did. And I would have done it for a lot less than whatever they paid this person.
Second most influential Laker of all time after Jerry Buss? It’s debatable that he should be first. I hope to meet the Legend one day in Heaven and thank him for all the joy he brought into my life.
Glad to see there are still some Laker fans around that remember and respect Jerry West's accomplishments with the Lakers. As much as I admire so many of the Laker Greats he was Mr Laker to me. As far as the Laker statement Bill Plaschke said it best on the Dan Patrick show today IMO...
