Jerry West, a legendary NBA player who served as the model for the league’s current emblem, passed away. He was eighty-six.
The Los Angeles Clippers said that West died with his wife Karen by his side on Wednesday, June 12.
“Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement on Wednesday. In addition to becoming an NBA champion and an All-Star every each of his 14 seasons as a player, he stood out for being a perfect competitor who relished the big occasions.
“He left behind an impressive accomplishment trail that reflects his superior play on the court: during his NBA career, he helped assemble eight championship teams. Furthermore, Silver said, “He will be inducted as a contributor this October into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, making history as the first person to be inducted as both a player and a contributor.”
“We extend our sincere condolences to Jerry’s wife, Karen, his family, and his numerous NBA friends on behalf of the NBA.”
Shortly before the team moved to Los Angeles in 1960, West, also known as “Mr. Clutch” on the court, was picked by the Minneapolis Lakers. Until 1974, he was a member of the squad, starting and finishing as a point guard and shooting guard. During that time, he was selected as a 14-time NBA All-Star and assisted in taking his club to nine NBA Finals.
The US Olympic basketball team that went on to capture the gold in 1960 had West as a co-captain.
Following his playing career, he spent three seasons as the Lakers’ coach, starting in 1976, before turning into a scout and joining the team’s front office.
During his tenure as the Lakers’ leader, West assisted in two team rebuilding efforts: the first took place in the mid-1990s with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, and the second took place during the franchise’s “Showtime” heyday in the 1980s with Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy, among others.
Later on, he assumed leadership positions with the Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies.
In 2019, President Donald Trump gave him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.