“I Will Miss You” – Shaq O’Neal Pens Emotional Tribute to Jerry West as Lakers Legend Passes Away

Shaquille O’Neal had one of the most iconic runs of the league with the Los Angeles Lakers. The man hugely responsible to get him there? Jerry West. The 14X All-Star had nearly traded all of the Lakers’ roster to make cap space for Shaq. It happened to be one of the best strategic decisions. For not only did he land the 4X time champion, but he did so, confidently combining his skills with Kobe Bryant, the young talent he had spotted. The two together went on to attain a three-peat, and Shaq, one of the most unique record lines.

Thus, grateful for the role West played in his life, the Big Diesel, penned an emotional note for the 1972 champion.

“Dear Mr. West, There are certain people that you come across, and from the moment you meet them, you know that your life is changed. That is what happened the moment that I met you. And, looking back on it, it all seems so obvious now. You were deliberate and purposeful. You were kind and thoughtful. And your insights into what was going to happen to a Lakers franchise that you loved were spot on.”

The 4x NBA champion also explained West’s previous nicknames and believed he deserved to be the Logo. But he would remember West not by his nicknames of Mr. Clutch, Mr. Outside, or even Zeke from Cabin Creek but as a friend – with pride. He ended ended his sentimental note with, “I will miss you. Much love to your entire family.”

Despite naming the many accolades in West’s name, Shaq’s love remained towards the way the star carried himself – unknowingly fulfilling West’s one big wish.

“I have often thought what would I like for people to think about me ‘he was a good guy and he cared’ that would be it nothing more,” Jerry West had revealed. Now as Shaq honors him for his kindness, class, and making everyone around him better, West knows he has done right.

The 10X All-NBA played with the Lakers for whole of his career. In 14 seasons therein, he led the team to finals 9 times and made it to All-Star every year. His contributions to the team continued after he retired as a player and joined the team as coach and then in executive role. West’s crucial decisions there as a GM helped Lakers build a dominant dynasty, which won 5 championships during his reign. It also set the foundation for the three-peat that arrived in 2000-2003.

The 1972 NBA champion’s hand in all field left him irreplaceable, yielding warming responses from numerous around.

Jerry West is gone but not forgotten

It wasn’t just O’Neal who experienced the humbleness of Jerry West. Stephen A.  Smith on his First take episode spoke about the bond and interaction he had with West.” The first time I had a conversation with him, and that was when our relationship really took off, because he heard me saying that the silhouette should be changed to Michael Jordan from him,” said Smith. West’s response? “ I think Michael Jordan’s the greatest. I think he deserves it.’”

Even Michael Jordan sent a message to Smith, which he read on air. “I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry’s passing. He was truly a friend and a mentor like an older brother to me. I valued his friendship and knowledge. I always wished I played against him as a competitor but the more I came to know him, I wish I had been his teammate… He will forever be missed. RIP Logo,” his statement read.

Jerry West was responsible for building not only the Lakers dynasty but also the Golden State Warriors. He once had threatened to quit if Klay Thompson would have been traded back in 2014. From being a shy and reserved guy to being friends of many, Jerry West truly was a real one.