Quick Bytes
- NBA mourns the passing of Lakers legend Jerry West at 86.
- West celebrated for his contributions as a player and executive.
- Las Vegas Summer League pays tribute by reserving his courtside seat.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remarks on West’s innate connection to basketball.
Remembering a Basketball Icon: Jerry West
The NBA community continues to honor the late Jerry West, who passed away on June 12 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as a key figure in the Los Angeles Lakers’ history and the broader basketball world.
West’s impact on the Lakers was profound, both as a championship-winning player and a visionary general manager. His competitive spirit on the court was matched by his talent-scouting prowess off it, with his most notable discovery being Kobe Bryant. West’s dedication to the sport extended to his regular attendance at the Las Vegas Summer League, where he was known for engaging with players from his courtside seat.
In a heartfelt gesture, the Summer League honored West by keeping his usual seat empty, accompanied by his favorite Dairy Queen treat, and playing a video tribute that spanned his illustrious career. The tribute highlighted his time with the Lakers, as well as his roles with the Memphis Grizzlies, L.A. Clippers, and Golden State Warriors, cementing his status as ”The Soul of Summer League.”
Lakers’ great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar expressed that West was inherently made for basketball, a sentiment that echoes throughout the sport. West’s influence and contributions to the game are indelible, ensuring his memory will continue to inspire future generations.
