Reaction

“What Chick has meant to the Lakers and the popularity of NBA basketball in Los Angeles can never be overestimated. His words-eye view is as responsible for this success as any of the great players who have worn a Laker uniform. We will be forever grateful to him.”

Jerry Buss

Laker owner

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“Quite frankly, I don’t know where the organization goes from this point, although we will figure it out.”

Mitch Kupchak

Laker general manager

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“There’s never going to be another Chick Hearn. He’s a man who will be remembered long after. Some people grow bigger than their sport, bigger than their job. He didn’t just support Magic Johnson for what he did on the court. He supported Earvin Johnson Jr. When I talked to Chick, a lot of times it was hardly about basketball. He was always so proud of me. I would get little notes from him. That would make me feel so good.”

Magic Johnson

Laker player 1979-91, ‘95-96

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“Chick was more responsible for the success of the Laker franchise than anyone. Sometimes you just wanted to sit there and listen to him rather than playing Chick was like a father to me.”

(On how many times Chick won their legendary gin games) “Chick never won. In those days, the per diem wasn’t that good and Chick wanted to make sure I ate good and stayed strong and healthy.”

Elgin Baylor

Laker player 1958-72*

“The city of Los Angeles has lost an incredible icon ....He was a real joy to be around as a person. He certainly helped me appear to be bigger than life. More importantly, he was a true, great friend.”

Jerry West

Laker player 1960-74

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“It’s like losing an immediate family member. He gave me ‘Big Game James,’ he was the one responsible for my nickname, and I’m known by that nickname everywhere

I go.”

James Worthy

Laker player 1982-94

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“Though we have lost a dear friend and a true broadcasting legend today, I would like to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for having been able to enjoy his work for all these years. Chick had immense talent that was driven by a tremendous work ethic and an insurmountable passion for the game and his trade. His personality, character and professionalism will be greatly missed, yet his spirit, importance and impact will live forever.”

Vin Scully

Dodger announcer

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“Chick understood the essence of the game of basketball like nobody else I can think of. He could just as easily have been a coach or general manager. I just wanted him to go on forever.”

Al Michaels

Monday Night Football

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“The ultimate quality of a champion is to repeat, and that’s what Chick did year after year. His greatness as an announcer is a slam dunk. Young announcers can only hope that they can be as good on their best day, as Chick was every day of the year. He was our connection to the game ... It will be difficult for everyone, at the end of games next season, not to have a Chick Hearn lock on the refrigerator door. He left us as a champion, the way he would want to go out.”

Dick Enberg

veteran broadcaster

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“Twenty-nine years ago, Chick was the one who recommended me for the Kings play-by-play job, and he has been a dear friend ever since...He was an inspiration to sports announcers, not just in Southern California but all throughout the country ... I can’t believe all that happened to Chick in the last year, but at least his last broadcast was another championship game.”

Bob Miller

Kings announcer

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“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. His colorful descriptions of the game transcended the sport and have had an indelible influence on basketball and broadcasting itself.”

David Stern

NBA Commissioner