The NBA last week was two-sided. The Boston Celtics won their 18th title back in their backyard, which the fans continue to celebrate. But on a sad note, the league lost one of its finest pioneers Jerry West, who bid farewell at the age of 86. With the Boston Celtics beating the Mavericks 4-1 to put an end to the NBA Finals, the attention on West’s demise reduced. However, Magic Johnson’s wife, Cookie, is not the one to forget. A few days after a heartfelt note from her husband, Cookie shared her own version, remembering her best moments with West. 

The Johnson family and the West family have created a strong bond over the last few decades. The two legends of the Los Angeles Lakers collaborated to form an executive camp in Hawaii. This was the start of their friendship outside the court. Cookie Johnson remembered this moment to show her gratitude for the man on the logo. 

Cookie wrote on her Instagram, “Reflecting on the passing of Jerry West, a remarkable soul both on and off the court who left us a week ago today. Summers in Maui at Magic Johnson and Jerry West Executive Camps were always bright with Jerry and his wife Karen by our side!”

She also added a few lines about West’s greatness outside the court. “Jerry was not only an exceptional NBA player, coach, and executive, but also a truly good-hearted person. His warmth and genuine friendship meant the world to us and we’ll cherish all those memories! He will be missed dearly.” She wrote.

Magic Johnson and Jerry West’s relationship goes way back to 1979, the year the former was drafted. Johnson also credited Jerry for his guidance and help, which got the LA Lakers 17 championships. “Laker Nation, the only reason we have 17 NBA championships is because of Jerry West and his expertise drafting players, trading for players, and hiring the right coaches. Today is a sad day for basketball fans and sports fans across the globe.” Wrote Johnson on X.

Magic Johnson details how he developed a stronger bond with Jerry West at the Hawaii camp

All good things start with a good cause. One such was West and Johnson’s initiative to help the young ballers in Hawaii. Their basketball camp continued for twenty years and it helped Johnson and West to look into aspects of life, other than the Lakers and basketball.

Johnson shared, “We had a basketball camp in Hawaii called the Jerry West Magic Johnson Fantasy Camp for 20 years. At the camp, we shared every meal together and that’s when we really bonded and solidified our great friendship outside of the Lakers.”

Johnson also shared how West was there in both the highest and the lowest moments of his life. Especially during his HIV diagnosis, Johnson revealed that he and West spent hours in the office crying together. West’s loss is a tough one for the Johnson family and the Lakers too. West helped the Lakers become the organization that it is today. One could hardly argue about his contributions to the game. 

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