Michael Jordan paid tribute to Jerry West, a basketball legend, on First Take. It was announced earlier today that the man on the NBA logo died at the age of 86, with his wife around him. Numerous tributes have been sent to West, who was a champion both on and off the court. Additionally, First Take reported on X that Jordan, 61, texted Stephen A. Smith while he was live to share his own words.
As MJâs representative, Smith read, âI am so deeply saddened by the news of Jerryâs death.â
âHe was a reliable friend and teacher.â Somewhat like an older brother.
âI valued his friendship and understanding.â Although I always wanted to play against him, the more I got to know him, the more I wished I had been on his team.
âHis basketball knowledge impressed me, and the way he and I played the game was a lot alike.â
âHis wife Karen and son will miss him forever. My condolences.â Heavenâs peace, Logo.â
Regarding a video clip of the tribute, one fan said, âWow, thatâs really nice of MJ.â
In my opinion, Jerry West was the best general manager ever. Unquestionably the GOAT GM. âRest in peace, Jerry âThe Logoâ West,â explained someone else.
âWe will miss him,â said a third.
âJerry WestâAll class!â Last resting place,â a fourth person said.
Additionally, Smith, who is 56 years old, remembered a story from a time when he met West.
Although West was watching the analystâs show, he heard Smith say that Jordan should take his place as the NBAâs logo.
Calling the ESPN star, West shockingly told him that he agreed.
Smith explained, âHe called because he thought I sounded like I would argue against it.â
He was saying, âAbsolutely not.â Jackson is my favorite athlete. I believe he deserves it.
One of the best players in NBA history, West also helped build the Los Angeles Lakersâ dynasty in the 1980s.
When he died, he was working as a consultant for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Lakers gave West a statue in 2010 as a tribute, and in 2019 he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.