Jerry West is an NBA icon and a player who was selected to the Hall of Fame three times during his illustrious career, passed away at the age of 86, the Los Angeles Clippers announced.
Jerry West, who was nicknamed as “Mr Clutch” for his ability to make a big play in key games, was widely known as one of the greatest players in NBA history. He was only the third player in league history to reach 25,000 points, was an All-Star every year of his playing career, and led the Los Angeles Lakers to nine NBA Finals, winning the league title in 1971/72.
His impact on the game was so important that his silhouette is still used as the NBA's logo today. NBA commissioner Adam Silver delivered a statement on the recent passing of a superstar whose legacy continued across generations.
“Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years. He distinguished himself not only as an NBA champion and an All-Star in all 14 of his playing seasons, but also as a consummate competitor who embraced the biggest moments. He was the league’s first Finals MVP and made rising to the occasion his signature quality, earning him the nickname ‘Mr Clutch’,” Silver said in a statement.
“Jerry’s four decades with the Lakers also included a successful stint as a head coach and a remarkable run 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 achievement that mirrors his on-court excellence. And in October, he will be enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor, making him the very first person to be honored as both a player and a contributor.
“I valued my friendship with Jerry and the knowledge he shared with me over many years about basketball and life. On behalf of the NBA, we send our deepest condolences to Jerry’s wife, Karen, his family and his many friends in the NBA community.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Jerry West. pic.twitter.com/8XspFQO3d0
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 12, 2024
The late icon was also one of only three players, along with Magic Johnson and Hakeem Olajuwon, to win an NBA Finals MVP, be named the NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player, and win an Olympic gold medal.
West also worked in the front office for the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors, in addition to coaching the Lakers from 1976 to 1979. In his final years, he remained “basketball royalty” and was often seen courtside at Summer League games in Las Vegas, where everyone, including LeBron James, would approach him to pay their respects.
West played for the Lakers during his entire career, eventually winning the 1972 NBA championship, winning the 1969 NBA Finals MVP, the 1972 NBA All-Star MVP, finishing as the scoring champion in 1970, the assists leader in 1972 and earning 14 All-Star nominations, among numerous other honors during his long and storied career.
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