“I am so deeply saddened by the news of Jerry’s death,” Smith said in MJ’s place.
“He was a real friend and teacher.” Like a big brother to me.
“I valued our friendship and what he knew.”
“I always wished I could have played against him, but as I got to know him better, I wished I had been on his team.”
“I liked his basketball insights, and the way he and I played the game was a lot alike.”
“He will be missed always. My condolences to his son and wife Karen.” Logo, may you rest in peace.
A fan said on a clip of the tribute, “Wow, that’s really nice of MJ.”
“Jerry West was the best general manager ever.” Definitely the GOAT GM. “Rest in peace, Jerry ‘The Logo’ West,” said someone else.
“He will be missed,” wrote a third.
It’s Jerry West, all class! “Rest in peace,” said a fourth.
Smith, who is 56 years old, also remembered a story from a time when he met West.
While watching the analyst’s show, West heard Smith say that Jordan should take his place as the NBA’s logo.
West called the ESPN star and shockingly told him that he agreed.
Smith said, “He called because he thought I sounded like I would dismiss it.”
“And he was telling her, “No way!” I believe Michael Jordan is the best. I think it’s fair for him.
West was one of the best players in NBA history, and he also helped the Los Angeles Lakers become a dynasty in the 1980s.
For the last few months, he had been a consultant for the Los Angeles Clippers.
West was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019 and a statue by the Lakers in 2010.