Jerry West, a 3-time Hall of Fame selection and the inspiration for the NBA logo, dies at 86
The Los Angeles Clippers announced that Jerry West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three times, died Wednesday morning.
Jerry West is best known for his time as GM of the LA Lakers and the biggest decisions during the time with the team. Note Jerry West also managed Warriors, Grizzlies and Clippers during his time as executive for the NBA teams.
West was “the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him,” the Clippers said in announcing his death. West’s wife, Karen, was by his side when he died, the Clippers said.
He was an All-Star in all 14 of his NBA seasons, 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.
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. Among his many, many highlights as an executive with the Lakers: he drafted Magic Johnson and James Worthy, then brought in Kobe Bryant and eventually Shaquille O’Neal to play alongside Bryant.