Jerry West, NBA legend, has passed away at 86.
“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,” according to the statement by the Clippers. “His wife, Karen, was by his side.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver says of his relationship with West over the years, “I valued my friendship with Jerry and the knowledge he shared with me over many years about basketball and life,” Silver said in a statement. “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 had a bubbling year in the NBA. He was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1960 before the franchise moved to Los Angeles. The legend played point and shooting guard until 1974. He also became a 14-time NBA All-Star and led his team to the NBA Finals nine times. West’ was known for the NBA logo as silhouette is the inspiration behind it.
West went on to coach the Lakers during the“showtime” era in the 1980s with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and James Worthy. He also rebuilt the 90s team with Shaquille O’Neal and the late Kobe Bryant.
May he rest peacefully.