NBA News: Sports World Reacts to Jerry West's Passing

There are many ways to measure a man's impact on the world. How the world reacts to his death in public is an imperfect yardstick, but in the case of Jerry West one thing is clear: his impact on the broader sports world was one few basketball players can touch.

Reactions and tributes poured in Wednesday for the 86-year-old Hall of Fame player and executive:

"It's because of Jerry West that there was even 'Showtime,'" wrote Byron Scott, the former Lakers guard and coach. "It's because of you that I am who I am today. You believed in me when no one else did and for that I'm forever grateful. You will always be my 'Basketball Dad'. I love you Logo my heart is broken. You will be missed."

"I always wished I could have played against him as a competitor," former Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan said, via ESPN's First Take, "but the more I came to know him, I wish I had been his teammate. ... He will forever be missed. Rest in peace, Logo."

"Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "He distinguished himself not only as an NBA champion and an All-Star in all 14 of his playing seasons, but also as a consummate competitor who embraced the biggest moments. He was the league's first Finals MVP and made rising to the occasion his signature quality, earning him the nickname Mr. Clutch'."

"Jerry's four decades with the Lakers also included a successful stint as a head coach and a remarkable run in the front office that cemented his reputation as one of the greatest executives in sports history," Silver continued. "He helped build eight championship teams during his tenure in the NBA - a legacy of achievement that mirrors his on-court excellence. And he will be enshrined this October into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor, becoming the first person ever inducted as both a player and a contributor.

"I valued my friendship with Jerry and the knowledge he shared with me over many years about basketball and life. On behalf of the NBA, we send our deepest condolences to Jerry's wife, Karen, his family and his many friends in the NBA community."

"Will truly miss our convos my dear friend!" wrote Lakers star LeBron James. "My thoughts and prayers goes out to your wonderful family! Forever love Jerry! Rest in Paradise my guy! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🤎"

"My mentor, My friend! Hopefully I continue to make you proud! 🥲. You're already missed!" James wrote in a follow-up post.

"May my all time first team shooting guard rest in peace knowing he paved the way for defining greatness on the hardwood, excellence in the front office and living life his way," wrote Hall of Fame guard Julius Irving. "Jerry is one of one and claims the right to be the logo forever. My condolences to his family."

"Rest in peace, dear Jerry," wrote former Lakers and Grizzlies center Pau Gasol. "Thank you for everything you have done and given to this game."

"RIH Jerry West," wrote former Lakers guard Nick Van Exel. "Drafted me in the 2nd round and gave me a shot as a young player that wasn't the better pg at the time. Always kept it a 💯 with me and I always knew where you were coming from. Prayers to the family!! Tough loss. 🙏🏾🙏🏾"

"(Jerry is) clearly one of the great figures in NBA history, one of the greatest players of all time, one of the greatest executives of all time," Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said.

Besides those individuals, several teams weighed in with social media tributes as well: