LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and other NBA stars mourn the death of Knicks legend Willis Reed - "Rest in Power, Captain"

Willis Reed, recognized as a New York Knicks legend who led his team to two championships, died Tuesday at the age of 80.

Both LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony showed their respect.

Anthony tweeted a picture of them together with him with the caption:

"Rest in Power, Captain"

Rest in Power, Captain https://t.co/ndPWBwi644

Willis Reed's impact on LeBron James and the NBA

LeBron James followed Carmelo Anthony's tweet with this:

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🕊️🕊️ twitter.com/carmeloanthony…

Along with LeBron James showing his respect with the death of Willis Reed, NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement on Twitter:

"He played the game with remarkable passion and determination, and his inspiring comeback in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals remains one of the most iconic moments in all of sports. As a league MVP, two-time NBA Finals MVP and member of the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, Willis was a decorated player who took great pride in his consistency.

"Following his playing career, Willis mentored the next generation as a coach, team executive and proud HBCU alumnus. We send our deepest condolences to Willis’ wife, Gail, his family and his many friends and fans,” Silver said.

The NBA respected Willis Reed and what he meant to the game of basketball. Besides the success he found on the court in the manner that he played for the New York Knicks, he also found success in inspiring and teaching the next generation of players.