“The game was made for him!” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has special message after demise of great Jerry West

Jerry West, the man behind the NBA logo, recently passed away at the age of 86.

“The game was made for him!” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has special message after demise of great Jerry West

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shared a message about Jerry West

From one legendary Laker to another, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar showed respect to the late Jerry West in a recent interview. Just a few days ago, the NBA legend passed away at the age of 86. Abdul-Jabbar shared a close bond with West as he had a special message for the icon.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recently sat with Spectrum SportsNet for an interview. During the conversation, the former Laker was asked about Jerry West‘s legacy, considering his three admissions to the Hall of Fame. Abdul-Jabbar sang high praise of West for his brilliance in all his roles. 

He was someone who was made for the game, and the game was made for him. He proved it on the court, and he proved it from his executive chair that he knew what he was doing, and he did it right.
Kareem Adbul-Jabbar via Spectrum SportsNet
YouTube video

West was among the best players in the 1960s and early 1970s, but he also played multiple other roles for the Los Angeles Lakers. First as a player, then as a coach, and at last as a general manager who Abdul-Jabbar played under. West’s contribution to the Lakers is truly commendable, as he helped recruit some of the best players in the organization’s history.

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It appears even NBA legends have a hard time forgetting the impact of Jerry West. Abdul-Jabbar shared a special bond with West as he had known him since he was 14, even before West played professionally. Abdul-Jabbar also stated that the star made friends everywhere as he went to talk to Abdul-Jabbar himself during their first encounter.

Jerry West stated that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the ‘foundation’ of the Lakers

After West’s passing, Abdul-Jabbar wrote an emotional message on his social media. In the post, the veteran showed respect to West, whom he referred to as a coach, advisor, and, most importantly, a friend. However, the respect was mutual, as West consistently praised Abdul-Jabbar long before his passing.

Last year, West and Abdul-Jabbar joined Richard Jefferson at NBACon. During the discussion session, West expressed his admiration for Abdul-Jabbar, which he has felt ever since he met him for the first time. Despite Magic Johnson being the center of fame, West stated that Abdul-Jabbar ‘set the table’ for the superstars. 

This was the guy who was the foundation. It was a huge foundation that built a team around, and I have admired him forever.
Jerry West via NBACon

West also stated that he sensed Abdul-Jabbar’s talent during their first meeting, which drew him to talk to the 14-year-old. West anticipated Abdul-Jabbar’s career as the star went ahead to play for the Lakers. Considering the years of the relationship, Abdul-Jabbar was ‘sad’ after West’s passing, which was unexpected to him.

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