RIP Jerry West

[schindlerpiste]

The man. The Myth. The Legend. NBA logo

[Danno]

RIP to the logo. Hate his team but respect the hell out of him.

[Buzzworthy]

He was a legend.

[Viva]

He was Laker's head coach when Jerry Buss bought the team. Then he was appointed General manager, and began to build Showtime.

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[Woodsy]

His playing, coaching 7 exec stats are legend, was lucky enough to meet him a few times and he was a total gentleman. Loved hearing him talk about Sloan and vice versa as players, coaches and people.
class.

[schindlerpiste]

There are certain things in life that we never forget. This is one for me. I was 11.

[Woodsy]

Nice one!

Blown away my Magic's statement
"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.

When training camp began, he gave me so many golden nuggets and really critiqued every facet of my game. After every practice he would give me notes on how I could get better and those sessions carried over to the regular season. Once a week we went over what I needed to improve and how I could dominate in the league. Those meetings meant everything to me because I learned so much from him.

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.

Every time I achieved a goal or crossed a milestone, one of the first calls I received was from Jerry West. When I started my business, was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame, was named Lakers President of Basketball Operations – he would always pick up the phone and give me a personalized call to congratulate me.

Beyond his basketball accolades as a basketball player and NBA executive, Jerry West was a great man, a leader of men, fiercely loved his family and friends, and despite holding jobs with other franchises, he was a Lakers fan for life. Laker Nation, the only reason we have 17 NBA championships is because of Jerry West and his expertise drafting players, trading for players, and hiring the right coaches. Today is a sad day for basketball fans and sports fans across the globe."

[I Skied Bandini Mountain]

Jerry would rather die then see the Celtics win another championship.

[MarsB]

RIP to "Zeke from Cabin Creek" AKA Mr. Clutch AKA The Logo.



WVU Legend.

[fomofo]

Smooth player. Beautiful player. Insane competitor. I read his autobiography a few years ago. Good read, tough life.



I think a lot of guys of a certain age are really feeling it with his passing.

[Woodsy]

Jerry would rather die then see the Celtics win another championship.

Spot on

[Viva]

"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."

Huh...I'm certain that Buss bought the Lakers (and Kings) in 1979. If he he did, then it would have had to have been following the NBA draft. Not gonna doubt Ervin- he was there.

[mcski]

Sold in May 79

[riser4]

Jerry would rather die then see the Celtics win another championship.

Ouch.

[fomofo]

He built the Lakers into a Southern California institution as a player. He constructed and nurtured the Lakers’ greatness as a general manager. ... He was the most important person to ever walk through their gym doors. But in the end, for a variety of reasons, the basketball genius and his creation were estranged.

West walked away from the Lakers 24 years ago and never returned.

https://sports.yahoo.com/plaschke-la...233826554.html


On a more positive note, for posterity...



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