Jerry West, NBA Icon and Lakers Champion, Dies at 86

Jerry West, the basketball icon whose silhouette inspired the NBA iconic logo, has died at the age of 86 as confirmed by the Los Angeles Clippers. During his illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers, West appeared in nine NBA Finals and won the championship in 1972. He earned selection as an NBA All-Star every season of his 14-year playing career. The Clippers announced in a statement, “Jerry West, the epitome of basketball excellence and beloved by all who knew him, peacefully passed away this morning at the age of 86.

His wife, Karen, was by his side.” Known for his legendary scoring ability, West became the third player in NBA history to surpass 25,000 points, retiring with 25,192 points. He was a key member of the USA team that won a gold medal at the 1960 Olympics in Rome and earned the nickname “Mr. Clutch” for his ability to perform in critical game moments. After retiring as a player in 1974, West transitioned to coaching and later held prominent executive positions in the NBA.

He played a pivotal role in building the dominant Showtime Lakers of the 1980s, who won five championships. Following his tenure with the Lakers, West held executive roles with the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and the Clippers, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver remarked, “Jerry West was a basketball visionary and a transformative figure in our league for over six decades.”

The Basketball Hall of Fame also paid tribute, stating, “His profound impact on the game of basketball, both as a player and executive is matched only by his integrity and character.”