What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Coop on Jerry West “ Whether I was (messing) up, or doing good, Jerry was always there, man. ‘Michael you got to stop this craziness.’ He was just always there helping me along the path, kind of guiding me. Never quit on me. He was pissed off at me a times and stuff.” – 1:26 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Michael Cooper finally got to HOF and was going in with Jerry West, his third time. “That’s the thing that hurts. When I found out today I started crying because I was going to really relish that because we go back to 1973. That man has been in my life all these years.” – 1:22 PM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
My memory of Jerry West is June 1996
West, a 17-year old phenom from Lower Merion HS and his parents put fear into half of the teams in the lottery.
The fear?
Kobe would play in Italy if you drafted him
Bryant made it to Charlotte at #13 and was traded to the Lakers. – 1:20 PM
Scott Howard-Cooper @SHowardCooper
I hope HBO’s recent flagrant foul of a portrayal is not the way later generations know #JerryWest. Was he intense? God, yes. To an unhealthy extreme. But he cared deeply about people and the integrity of the game. He was generous on many levels. #Lakers1:05 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Jerry West was an undeniable all-time great basketball player who nonetheless suffered several Finals losses before finally breaking through. In our modern sports discourse, he’d have never become known as “Mr. Clutch,” much less “The Logo.” Our modern sports discourse sucks. AK – 1:02 PM
Mike Lynch @SportInfo247
All things considered, Jerry West probably had the most successful career in NBA history.
Was a better player than most realize, as well. Would have had double-digit all-defensive selections had the honor existed his entire career
Rest in Peace – 12:58 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Magic on Jerry West after 1st lunch at Forum: “He personally took me down to the lockers so it was just him and I, to show me my locker. He broke down the Laker history and expectations and really help me understand what I was walking into, and that he would be here for me.” – 12:45 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
“I think you could make a very strong argument that Jerry West had the most consistently successful and impactful career in the history of American professional sports.”
@espngreeny reflects on West’s legendary career.
(🎥: @patmcafeeshow) pic.twitter.com/iWzemjNXrT12:32 PM

Adam Lauridsen @GSWFastBreak
I don’t have a lot of heroes, but Jerry West was one. Brilliant, humble, conflicted, a truth-teller, and always chasing a standard only he set. To me, the dividing line between the old, sad, sorry Warriors and what we have now was the day he joined the franchise. – 12:23 PM
Roland Lazenby @lazenby
Honored to do a segment on NPR in LA this morning to talk about Jerry West and the perfectionism he shared with his mother, the tragic loss of his older brother David in combat in Korea, and how those things drove him to become The Logo, long the competitive standard for the NBA. – 12:22 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Magic on 1st lunch with Jerry West with his dad Earvin Johnson Sr.: “He brought a great comfort level to me and my father. He told my father that he was going to take care of me, because my father idolized him. My dad was more interested in Jerry West than be being a Laker.” – 12:14 PM
Mark Montieth @MarkMontieth
Jerry West played one game in Indianapolis, on March 9, 1966, when the Lakers played the Cincinnati Royals at the Coliseum. The Royals played a few games there every year pre-ABA to cash in on Oscar Robertson’s popularity. The Lakers clinched the Western Division title that day. pic.twitter.com/suONaje6lM12:02 PM

Mark Montieth @MarkMontieth
Although one of basketball’s genuine legends, Jerry West was humble and candid. His autobiography revealed his battles with depression and anxiety. A worthwhile read. It’s a good thing he got that one title as a player, or he would have suffered that much more. pic.twitter.com/8Ev8tV9JbQ11:56 AM

Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
I grew up on Jerry West stories, so I was nervous meeting him in 2018. He was incredibly generous and remained that way. He’d point out things that made me see hoops differently. And when I was laid off, who called several times to check in, and ask how he could help? Jerry. RIP. – 11:50 AM
Rob Peterson @ShotDrJr
Jerry West was a towering figure in the game of basketball on every level. He was tortured by the losses and even the wins seemed bittersweet. There’s no denying we lost one of the greatest of all time today. I hope he’s found peace. – 11:47 AM
Janis Carr @janiscarr
From Clippers owner Steve Ballmer on Jerry West: “He was absolutely my basketball sage: wise, loyal and so much fun. If you were in his presence, you felt his competitiveness and his drive. He cared about everything and everyone.” – 11:45 AM
Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Jerry West last summer after Pop signed his 5-year deal: “I like him personally a lot, and I just wish I had had a little bit more of an opportunity to spend time with him, pick his brain and particularly watch him run practices and see how he interacts with these young kids.” – 11:27 AM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I don’t know if any figure in all of NBA history has touched more legendary careers than Jerry West.
He played against Russell’s Celtics. He built teams for Magic and Kareem and Kobe and Shaq. Those teams played against Bird and Jordan. He consulted for Steph and KD’s Warriors. – 11:27 AM
Jon Krawczynski @JonKrawczynski
My most memorable Jerry West experience came during the 2016 Finals. He gave an impassioned defense of LeBron James and the way he was scrutinized. He also talked about how his losses on the court truly haunted him. His eyes just pierced right through you. pjstar.com/story/sports/n…11:26 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
To leave the arena after home games, Jerry West had to pass by my press-row seat. Several times a season, he’d pause at my laptop with a knowing glance, then lean in and whisper his game recap. They were wry, blunt and burst-out-loud funny, often all three at once. One of a kind. – 11:25 AM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
In 2021, Jerry West reflected on Elgin Baylor shortly after his passing. West: “I was blessed to share so much with him. I absolutely love that man. In my lifetime, I’ve never met a teammate like him. I’ve never met a nicer person than Elgin Baylor.” bit.ly/3f57sIl11:20 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
My story from the 2016 NBA Finals when Jerry West voiced his support for LeBron James when the Cavs were trailing the Warriors. Cleveland went on to become the first team in Finals history to come back from down 3-1 es.pn/4bZx0RO11:18 AM
Roland Lazenby @lazenby
Basketball has a small club of what I call the game’s True Pilgrims. John McLendon. Tex Winter. Bill Russell. Elgin Baylor. Others, of course. This year to lose Bill Walton and now Jerry West? – 11:12 AM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
Basically the whole NBA goes to Las Vegas for Summer League now, so seeing players/coaches/alumni/executives there is so common you don’t even think about it. But there are a few guys who, when they come in the gym, everyone notices. Jerry West was one of those few. – 11:03 AM
Steve Bulpett @SteveBHoop
Greatly appreciated the conversations with Jerry West over the last four decades. A truly deep and insightful man.
But what struck me these last several years was that this legend was still on the grind, looking to mine a nugget at summer league games that could become a blur. – 11:01 AM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
Basically whole NBA goes to Las Vegas for Summer League now, so seeing players/coaches/alumni/executives there is so common you don’t even think about it. But there are a few guys who, when they come in the gym, everyone notices. Jerry West was one of those few. – 10:58 AM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Great American author Pat Conroy wrote of Jerry West: “My face lit up with the same transformational pleasure as any boy in that camp when Jerry West shook my hand. When I fouled him in a counselors game, I went to bed with a voice ringing in my head, ‘I fouled … pic.twitter.com/giFewdvLsm10:35 AM

Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Here’s hoping @ESPNPR will give Bob Myers the TIME to talk about the presence of Jerry West as an executive during the NBA Finals show. With all due respect to the other panelists…the dynamics of Myers /West run would be welcomed. They worked together at Golden State. – 10:34 AM
Evan Sidery @esidery
In 1996, Jerry West helped create another Lakers dynasty:
– Traded Vlade Divac for the rights to Kobe Bryant
– Signed Shaquille O’Neal in free agency
As a player and executive, West appeared in 17 NBA Finals. Truly an all-time great.
RIP to West, the literal logo of the NBA. pic.twitter.com/Fcxzp10fXw10:32 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Rest In Power West Virginia’s finest.
The logo. Mr. Clutch.
Jerry West.
#NBA champion player, GM.
Showtime.
Pulled off @SHAQ deal, trade for Kobe Bryant, hiring Phil Jackson that led to Lakers 3-peat.
Saw him All-Star weekend in Cleveland for NBA 75th.
🙏🏾🙏🏾 to his family. pic.twitter.com/Pynhnqpwt410:29 AM
Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Back in the day, when such things were possible, I would call Jerry West at his Lakers office for comments for various stories. He always took the calls and would ask about how his friend Bob Bass was doing. Got to talk to the legend one last time in Vegas last summer. – 10:18 AM
Alan Hahn @alanhahn
Jerry West was not only one of the greatest players of all-time, he had one of the greatest minds for the game and eyes for talent. The @NBA should never consider changing the logo. Honor this man’s legacy forever. #RIPJerryWest10:15 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Πέθανε ο Jerry West και δεν θα προλάβει να δει τον 4o τελικό του ΣΕΦ στο καλύτερο πρωτάθλημα του Γαλαξία. #olypao #nba10:12 AM
Roland Lazenby @lazenby
Am stunned and saddened beyond words to learn of the passing of Jerry West. He was one of my deepest connections to my own father, himself a two-handed set shooter from the hills of Southern West Virginia. – 10:11 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Jerry West in the 1969 Finals:
53 PTS | 3 REB | 10 AST
41 PTS | 3 REB | 8 AST
24 PTS | 1 REB | 6 AST
40 PTS | 6 REB | 4 AST
39 PTS | 3 REB | 9 AST
26 PTS | 4 REB | 3 AST
42 PTS | 13 REB | 12 AST
Won Finals MVP despite losing the series. pic.twitter.com/vp48qlaAYW10:08 AM

Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
The Clippers share sad news: “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. His wife, Karen, was by his side.”
Condolences to all who knew him. What an impact that man made. – 10:08 AM
Chris Herrington @ChrisHerrington
Hiring Hubie Brown to coach the Grizzlies was the last (?) genius move in a Hall of Fame career for Jerry West. Also built a playoff team for a franchise that had never won 30 games previously, then saw that team’s hard ceiling. – 10:06 AM
Carl Steward @stewardsfolly
My lone interview with Jerry West was the one in which he threatened to resign as a Warriors special adviser if they traded Klay Thompson. Remarkable skill for team-building, and of course, an incredible player. RIP to one of the NBA’s pillars of greatness. – 10:05 AM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
First Bill Walton, now Jerry West. This is supposed to be the best time of the year for @NBA. Now, indeed, it’s one of its saddest times. – 10:03 AM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
RIP to Jerry West. The Logo was not only a legendary basketball player but a legendary executive. Jerry West had a presence every time he walked into any arena that only an elite few had. Always enjoyed seeing him pulling players aside to give them words of wisdom about the game. pic.twitter.com/d29ZkS2zCx10:03 AM

Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Jerry West stats in the 1965 Western Division Finals between the Lakers and the Baltimore Bullets:
Game 1: 49 points, 8 assists, 6 rebs
Game 2: 52 points, 9 assists, 5 rebs
Game 3: 44 points, 4 assists, 7 rebs
Game 4: 48 points, 5 assists, 3 rebs
Game 5: 43 points, 7 assists, 6 – 10:02 AM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Few figures were held in higher regard than Jerry West. NBA champion, gold medalist, one of the greatest team building executives in league history, “The Logo” leaves an in indelible mark. – 10:00 AM
Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
When you walked into an arena , at least I can speak for myself because I was a gym rat at age 5…the presence of Jerry West and Bill Walton was so special . Even over time West physically appeared like the man he was when he played at West Virginia. Walton was so approachable – 9:57 AM
Bill Reiter @sportsreiter
The radio show is live nationwide from 10-noon ET: What a Celtics collapse would look like, RIP Jerry West, Rodgers’ no-show, Watson worries, Start/Bench/Cut, @HowardBeck, Buy/Sell w/@PrettyDaddyRTY, more.
LISTEN:
ReiterThanYou.com
@Audacy app
@InfSportsNet
@SIRIUSXM 158 – 9:57 AM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Just terrible news about Jerry West. Talked with him last in the Las Vegas Summer League and he was funny and smart and entertaining. Just a treasure to the game. – 9:56 AM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Jerry West lived a profound basketball and American life — iconic as a player, executive and looming figure in the history of the game. He was an MVP, a champion, a gold medalist, a dynasty-builder and literally the league’s logo. His loss leaves a massive void. pic.twitter.com/vE3fQc5XuE9:54 AM

Michael Wallace @MyMikeCheck
Sad news as we mourn the wonderfully accomplished life of @NBA icon Jerry West. He’s the logo on the league’s basketballs and also architect of many championship and winning teams.
That includes a stint from 2002-07 as top exec of @memgrizz, establishing MEM as playoff franchise pic.twitter.com/y1y6wNXC729:53 AM

Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
The NBA has suffered the loss of two legends and I’m talking about LEGENDS with the passing of Jerry West and Bill Walton. These men were elite, elite players. After their playing careers, West became a brilliant front office executive ( draft day trade for Kobe) Walton on TV. – 9:52 AM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
There are not many more legendary basketball figures ever than Jerry West, who passed away this morning at 86 years old, the LA Clippers announced. What a sad day.
#RIP9:48 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
A very difficult year in the NBA gets even harder.
RIP Jerry West.
He had just turned 86 years old on May 28.
The Logo. Lakers legend on and off court. Then was in front office with Grizzlies, Warriors, and since 2017 the LA Clippers. pic.twitter.com/mpGcm96M029:47 AM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
NBA Legend, the logo and one of the greatest Lakers ever, Jerry West passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86, the Clippers have announced.
RIP – 9:45 AM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Legendary Hall of Famer Jerry West passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86. His wife, Karen, was by his side. – 9:42 AM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
NEW @AthleticNBAShow with @DaveDuFourNBA @tim_cato
☘️ Is Jrue Holiday the Michael Jordan of NBA players?
🐴 Can someone please help Luka
🤠 Why Mavs defensive scheme can’t stop the Jays’ playmaking
💀 Why Porzingis said he will die (and ideally won’t have to) pic.twitter.com/vAJSeAlgcN12:52 PM

Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
NEW @AthleticNBAShow with @DaveDuFourNBA @tim_cato
☘️ Is Jrue Holiday the Michael Jordan of NBA players?
🐴 Can someone please help Luka
🤠 Why Mavs defensive scheme can’t stop the Jays’ playmaking
💀 Why Porzingis said he will die (and ideally won’t have to) – 12:50 PM

More on this storyline

Patrick Ewing on Space Jam experience “Michael and I had the same agent, David Falk. So when they talked about doing the movie, they brought me in. I thought it was a great opportunity. We went out to LA. For our scenes, me, Charles, Larry, Muggsy, and Shawn, it took about a month to do. We were out there for a month. It was a lot of fun. We would play pickup ball after the shoot was over, go out to dinner, play pool, talk trash. Michael, being one of the biggest trash talkers, was always riding Charles and myself because we hadn’t won anything yet. It was a great experience. I enjoyed the opportunity to be around those guys, learning from them and just being around all those people in the movie. It’s funny, today, more people know me from that movie than from being a player. I’ll be going through the airport, and a little kid will say, ‘Aren’t you the guy from Space Jam?’ They don’t say, ‘Are you that great player?’ They say, ‘Are you the guy from Space Jam?’” -via YouTube / June 9, 2024