Reaction to the death of Los Angeles Lakers announcer Chick Hearn, who died Monday at 85:
“Generations of fans were brought to the NBA by the voice and vision of Chick Hearn. From Wilt and West to Magic and Kareem to Shaq and Kobe, Chick was a fixture as the `Voice of the Lakers’ and a legend in his profession.”
–NBA Commissioner David Stern
“He was a real joy to be around as a person. He certainly helped me appear to be bigger than life. More important, he was a true, great friend. I will miss him.”
–Jerry West, Memphis Grizzlies president of basketball operations and a former Lakers star
“He’s up on the pedestal all alone. There’s no other around like him.”
–Elgin Baylor, Los Angeles Clippers general manager and a Lakers teammate of West’s
“I’ll never forget all those times when I needed a hug, when I needed a high-five, he told me, `It’s going to be all right.’ He always uplifted me and uplifted other people. Without him calling the games, it would have never been the same.”
–Magic Johnson
“It’s a sad, sad day. … We’ve been together 15 years. The relationship grew every year.”
–Stu Lantz, Hearn’s broadcast partner
“What Chick has meant to the Lakers and the popularity of NBA basketball can never be overestimated. His word’s-eye view is as responsible for this success as any of the great players who have worn a Laker uniform or an NBA uniform. We will be forever grateful to him.”
–Lakers owner Jerry Buss
“We have lost a dear friend and a true broadcasting legend. I would like to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for having been able to enjoy his work for all these years.”
–Los Angeles Dodgers announcer Vin Scully
“He was a father figure to me. He was a man who made us chase our dreams. He was a man who changed how we think about the game and the life we live. He was a man who counted, mattered.”
–Miami Heat coach Pat Riley
“Chick Hearn was the sixth man on the team. I admired him for his professionalism and for his friendship.”
–Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
