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Former NBA legend and Hall of Famer Jerry West passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday, June 12. The Los Angeles Lakers icon played 15 seasons with the side from 1960 to 1974 and remained with the organisation for three more decades. The news of West’s death was announced by the Los Angeles Clippers. West was one of the most accomplished contributors of the NBA while winning nine championships as a player, scout, coach, executive and consultant.
West was first the head coach and later joined the side as their general manager, and went on to be one of the greatest managers in the history of the league. The West Virginia-born was among one of the first league superstars and his silhouette was famously used to create the NBA’s logo.
The LA Clippers took to social media to announce, “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.” West rose to prominence during his school time and college basketball and was later named the co-captain of the 1960 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team.
West played the All-Star Game in each season of a 14-year career with 12 All-NBA selections and five All-Defensive appearances, all for Lakers. He lost six title series to Bill Russell’s Boston Celtics, and won a single title along with West’s Finals MVP Award in 1969.
