NBA

Bill Russell’s widow Jeannine offers touching Jerry West tribute after Lakers great’s death

By
Social Links for Jenna Lemoncelli
Published June 12, 2024, 6:28 p.m. ET

Bill Russell’s widow, Jeannine, shared a heartfelt tribute to Jerry West after the news of the NBA legend’s death Wednesday.

West, whose basketball excellence led to his silhouette becoming the official NBA logo, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday morning, the Clippers announced, adding that his wife Karen was by his side.

West had been working for the Clippers as a consultant.

“So sad to hear about the loss of Jerry West,” a post read from Russell’s X account, which is being run by Jeannine. “Condolences to his family and friends. He and Bill had great love and respect for one another Bill won on the court but Jerry won on the course.”

(L-R) Bill Russell (far left) and Jerry West (third from the left) are pictured golfing together.
(L-R) Bill Russell (far left) and Jerry West (third from the left) pictured golfing together. X/Bill Russell
(L-R) NBA legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West and Bill Russell watch during the first half of an NBA All-Star basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, in Los Angeles.
NBA legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West and Bill Russell watch during the first half of an NBA All-Star basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, in Los Angeles. AP

The Lakers and the NBA were tagged in the message, which included the hashtag, “RIP Jerry.”

A cause of death for West was not disclosed.

He was 86.

West, whose was nicknamed “Mr. Clutch,” was selected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame three times: as a player, an executive and, later this year, as a contributor.

West made the All-Star team every season of his 14-year NBA career with the Lakers, and led Los Angeles to a championship in 1972.

Jerry West #44 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on walking up court against the Milwaukee Bucks during an NBA basketball game circa 1972 at the Milwaukee Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1972.
Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on walking up court against the Milwaukee Bucks during an NBA basketball game circa 1972 at the Milwaukee Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1972. Getty Images
Former Lakers great Jerry West (L) speaks while former players Shaquille O'Neal (C) and Kobe Bryant look on during unveiling of O'Neal's statue at Staples Center March 24, 2017, in Los Angeles, California.
Former Lakers great Jerry West speaks while former players Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant look on during unveiling of O’Neal’s statue at Staples Center March 24, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images

Earlier this week, Jeannine explained that she had posted from Russell’s X account after fans were buzzing about a message that read, “LET GO CELTICS!!” just before tipoff for Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Celtics and the Mavericks on Sunday, an eventual 105-98 Boston win.

“To everyone who has reached out to this post. This is Bill’s wife. Please stay tuned for some exciting announcements on Building my husband’s legacy, and other amazing projects,” Jeannine wrote at the time. “Another great win tonight for the @celtics Brown or Holiday #BillRussellMVPFinalsAward.”

Russell led the Celtics to a record 11 championships and earned MVP honors five times in his 13-year NBA career with Boston.

Bill Russell and his wife Jeannine.
Bill Russell and his wife Jeannine. X/Bill Russell

In 2009, the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award was renamed after Russell.

The late two-time Hall of Famer died peacefully with Jeannine by his side on July 31, 2022 at the age of 88, his family announced in statement on his social media at the time.