Jerry West, the Hall of Fame player and manager who inspired the NBA logo, has died at the age of 86.
West previously played for the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won an NBA championship. He was also an executive of the Clippers at the time of his death.
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The Clippers released a statement saying, “Jerry West, the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86. His wife, Karen, was by his side.”
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Jerry West was selected for induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame three times during his career. He was first inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1980 and then a second time as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team in 2010. West will be inducted as a contributor for a third time later this year.
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West served as general manager of eight NBA championship teams during his career, including the Los Angeles Lakers, where he helped build the “Showtime” dynasty. He also worked in the front offices of the Memphis Grizzlies, the Golden State Warriors and the Clippers.
His impact on the game and the NBA was immeasurable, and his silhouette is still used as the logo of the NBA, earning West the alternate nickname “The Logo.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement paying tribute to West as “a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years.”
“He not only distinguished himself as an NBA champion and All-Star in each of his fourteen seasons, but also as a consummate competitor who embraced the greatest moments. He was the league’s first Finals MVP and made seizing this opportunity his signature quality, earning him the nickname ‘Mr. Clutch,'” Silver’s statement continued.
“Jerry’s four decades with the Lakers also included a successful stint as head coach and a remarkable performance in the front office that cemented his reputation as one of the greatest executives in sports history. He helped build eight championship teams during his tenure in the NBA – a legacy of achievements that reflects his excellence on the field.”
