The two men frequently sat together at NBA events, where they would share laughs and wisdom and respect. “My friendship with him was such that it’s almost like I played with him instead of against him,” said West. “He went through so much and handled it all so quietly. I admired him so much as a human being.” The Lakers legend still has a framed complimentary quote from Russell hanging in his bathroom, a statement about the highest honor being the admiration of one’s peers. “I look at it every day, and it will hang there forever,” said West.