The NBA lost an icon this week as eight-time NBA champion Jerry West passed away at 86 years old. Among the first to offer their condolences is none other than LeBron James.
Taking to X this morning, the Los Angeles Lakers megastar offered his thoughts and prayers to West’s family while saying that he’s going to miss their conversations together. He referred to West as his “dear friend.”
“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 wrote.
West made his mark in basketball as a college player, an NBA player, an NBA head coach and an NBA executive. He won an NBA title playing for the Lakers in 1972 and made the All-Star Game in 14 of his 15 seasons.
But his lasting legacy is undoubtedly as one of the architects behind the “Showtime” Lakers of the 1980s, which brought five titles to the team between 1980 and 1988, and laid the foundation for the Kobe-Shaq Lakers by trading for Kobe Bryant, signing Shaquille O’Neal and hiring Phil Jackson.
West didn’t get to reap the rewards of building the Lakers’ new dynasty, but he held an executive role on the Golden State Warriors from 2011 to 2017, during which the team won two more NBA titles.
Our hearts go out to West’s family and loved ones.