Michael Jordan Pays Tribute to Jerry West on First Take
MICHAEL Jordan paid tribute to basketball icon Jerry West on First Take. It was revealed earlier today that the man who features on the NBA logo passed away aged 86 with his wife by his side.
Tributes for Jerry West – A Champion On and Off the Court
Tributes have flooded in for West – a champion on and off the court. First Take posted on X to reveal Jordan, 61, texted Stephen A. Smith while he was live on to share his own words.
Michael Jordan’s Words of Condolence for Jerry West
“I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry’s passing,” Smith read out on MJ’s behalf. “He was truly a friend and a mentor. Like an older brother to me.
“I valued his friendship and knowledge. I always wished I could have played against him as a competitor but the more I came to know him, I wished I had been his teammate.
“I admired his basketball insights and he and I shared many similarities to how we approached the game.
“He will be forever missed, my condolences to his wife Karen and his son. Rest in Peace, Logo.”
Memorable Anecdote Shared by Stephen A. Smith
Smith, 56, also recalled an anecdote from when he crossed paths with West. West heard Smith suggest Jordan should replace him as the NBA’s logo while watching the analyst’s show.
Jerry West’s Legacy in the NBA
West was one of the greatest players in NBA history who also helped cultivate the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers dynasty. He had been working for the Los Angeles Clippers as a consultant at the time of his passing. In 2010, the Lakers honored West with a statue and he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.