Jerry West dies at 86: NBA legend, 14-time Lakers All-Star became 'The Logo,' eight-time champion executive
CBSN
West won nine championships as a player and executive in the NBA
Jerry West, one of the greatest players in NBA history and a Los Angeles Lakers legend, has died at the age of 86, the Los Angeles Clippers announced. West is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history as well as almost indisputably its greatest executives. His silhouette is used as the league's logo to this day. On Wednesday, commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement on the loss of a league icon. "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'.
"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 he will be enshrined this October into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor, becoming the first person ever inducted 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." West was born in West Virginia in 1938, and he went on to become a college basketball star at West Virginia University. He led the Mountaineers to the National Championship Game in 1959, and earned the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award despite losing in that game. The Lakers would go on to draft him No. 2 overall in 1960, with only Olympic teammate and fellow NBA legend Oscar Robertson going ahead of him.
