Jerry West the Hall of Fame player and executive who was the inspiration for the NBA logo, has died at age 86. The Los Angeles Clippers, who West was currently working for in a front office role, says he passed away peacefully with his wife, Karen, by his side.
West was nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his late-game exploits as a player, went into the Hall of Fame three times as a player in 1980 and again as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic Team in 2010. He will be enshrined later this year as a contributor.
He became a 14-time All-Star, a 12-time All-NBA selection, part of the 1972 Lakers team that won a championship, an NBA Finals MVP as part of a losing team in 1969 and was selected as part of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team. In addition, West is the only player in NBA history to win Finals MVP despite being on the losing side.
Jerry West was general manager of eight NBA championship teams with the Los Angeles Lakers, helping build the “Showtime” dynasty. He also worked in the front offices of the Memphis Grizzlies, the Golden State Warriors and the Clippers in which he build winning teams.
Nobody knew the game better than Jerry West. He was a genius and he knew how to pick out talent and find players who will be the right fit for the team. He will be missed in the game of basketball.
