The NBA mourns following the death of legend Jerry West at 86

Jerry West is considered one of the greatest to ever play the game of basketball, with his silhouette believed to be the basis for the NBA logo. Following his death, the world of basketball has responded with tributes and messages about the legendary former player.

Michael Jordan text Stephan A. Smith during an episode of First Take, "I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry's passing. He was truly a friend and a mentor. Like an older brother to me. ... Rest in Peace, Logo."

LeBron James posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Will truly miss our convos my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers goes out to your wonderful family!" In a follow up post, James wrote, "My mentor, My friend! Hopefully I continue to make you proud! You're already missed!"

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Long time Laker Pau Gasol also took to X to remember West, writing, "Rest in peace, dear Jerry. Thank you for everything you have done and given to this game."

Earvin "Magic" Johnson posted a longer tribute on X, revealing just how much Jerry West meant to him. "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."

Johnson, who is HIV positive, shared a touching memory of how West reacted to finding out his diagnosis, "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."

West will forever be memorialized by the NBA logo continuing to use his likeness, but who was 'The Logo' and why did he impact so many?

Basketball Hall of Famer and NBA legend Jerry West has died peacefully at home at the age of 86, the Los Angeles Clippers have confirmed.

A statement from the Los Angeles Clippers read: "Jerry West, the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86," the team said. "His wife, Karen, was by his side."

ESPN's senior reporter Adrian Wojnarowski said: "Jerry West lived a profound basketball and American life – iconic as a player, executive, and a looming figure in the history of the game. He was an MVP, a champion, a gold medallist, a dynasty builder, and the league's logo."

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The NBA icon was a staple of the game for eight decades, winning nine championships as a player, coach, scout, executive, and consultant.

According to Yahoo Sports, West was the architect behind the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s and 2000s, helping the most storied NBA franchise to ten NBA Championships.

Before his extraordinary achievements in the front office, West had a Hall of Fame career on the court, being an All-Star in each of his 14 seasons, with 12 All-NBA selections, and five All-Defensive appearances.

The Lakers legend had nine trips to the NBA Finals as a player, winning one championship after playing in the same era as Bill Russell's mighty Boston Celtics.

According to Ball is Life on X, West is the only player to win the NBA Finals MVP award as a loser after averaging 37.9 points against the Boston Celtics in 1969.

West is one of seven players with scoring (1) and assists (1) titles. Of those seven players, he and LeBron James are the only ones to make an All-Defensive First-Team.

On 'Jerry West Night' in 1972, Bill Russell famously said: "Jerry, you are, in every sense of the word, truly a champion. If I could have one wish granted, it would be that you would always be happy." West was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.

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