Michael Jordan sends message to Stephen A. Smith live as ESPN analyst interrupts First Take to read ‘beautiful’ tribute

MICHAEL Jordan paid tribute to basketball icon Jerry West on First Take.

It was revealed today that the man featured on the NBA logo has passed away at the age of 86 with his wife by his side.

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Tributes poured in for West – a champion on and off the court.

And First Take posted on X to reveal that Jordan, 61, texted Stephen A. Smith while he was live to share his own words.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Jerry’s passing,” Smith read on MJ’s behalf.

“He was truly a friend and a mentor. Like a big brother to me.

“I valued your friendship and knowledge.

“I always wished I could have played against him as a competitor, but the more I got to know him, I wished I could have been his teammate.

“I admired his insights into basketball and he and I share a lot of similarities in the way we approach the game.

“We will miss you forever, my condolences to your wife Karen and your son. Rest in peace, Soon.”

“Wow this is really cute from MJ to be honest,” one fan commented on one tribute clip.

“Jerry West was the greatest GM of all time. Truly the GOAT GM. RIP Jerry ‘The Logo’ West,” added another.

“He will be missed,” posted a third.

“Jerry West -whole gang! RIP,” said a fourth.

Smith, 56, also recalled an anecdote from when he crossed paths with West.

West heard Smith suggest that Jordan should replace him as the NBA logo while watching the analyst’s show.

West called the ESPN star and incredibly revealed that he agreed.

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“He was calling because he felt like I sounded like something he was going to refute,” Smith said.

“And he was saying, absolutely not. I think Michael Jordan is the greatest. I think he deserves it.”

West was one of the greatest players in NBA history who also helped cultivate the Los Angeles Lakers dynasty of the 1980s.

He was working as a consultant for the Los Angeles Clippers at the time of his passing.

In 2010, the Lakers honored West with a statue and he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.