The death of Los Angeles Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn on Monday is being felt far and wide.

''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 importantly, he was a true, great friend. I will miss him.''
-- Jerry West, Memphis Grizzlies president of basketball operations and a star of the Lakers' teams of the 1960s and '70s.

''He's up on the pedestal all alone. There's no other around like him.''
-- Elgin Baylor, Los Angeles Clippers general manager and, with West, another star of the '60s and '70s Lakers teams.

''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, and I'll tell you something, basketball and the Lakers, without him calling the games, it would have never been the same.''
-- Former Lakers star 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.

"He gave me 'Big Game James,' he was the one responsible for my nickname, and I'm known by that nickname everywhere I go.''
-- Former Lakers star James Worthy, now a broadcaster for KCAL-TV in Los Angeles.

''What Chick has meant to the Lakers and the popularity of NBA basketball can never be underestimated. His words-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.

''The family is doing well and is very thankful that Chick has not suffered over these past several days, and are also thankful that he is now in God's hands.''
-- Los Angeles Lakers spokesman Bob Steiner.

''We have lost a dear friend and a true broadcasting legend today. I would like to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for having to be able to enjoy his work for all these years.''
-- Los Angeles Dodgers announcer Vin Scully.

''Chick is like a fatherly figure. When the going was tough during the season, he gave everybody encouragement.''
-- Lakers fan Bob Vyas, who dropped by the hospital to check on Hearn's condition Monday and was there when his death was announced.

''I've been following the Lakers for 39 years. The only voice I ever heard was Chick's.''
-- Lakers fan Carol Weissberg, 46, who broke down in tears at word of Hearn's death.

''It was clear that he loved to do what he did. You could feel the passion he felt for the team. It was clear he loved the fans, too. There are just some people you think will never go.''
-- Weissberg.

''I really feel that we have lost an icon. It was very hard for me to deal with it from the beginning in terms of his personality and knowing him.''
-- Asher Taban, neurosurgeon who treated Hearn.

''Words cannot express what Chick Hearn has meant to all sports fans in Southern California. Our heart-felt condolences go out to his wife, Marge, the Hearn family and the Lakers organization. The sports world lost a legend today."
-- Doug Moss, senior vice president, National Hockey League's Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.