Jerry West, one of basketball’s most iconic figures whose silhouette inspired the NBA logo, has passed away at the age of 86. The Los Angeles Clippers, where West served as an executive, confirmed his death on Wednesday. The 14-time NBA All-Star died peacefully with his wife Karen by his side.
“Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “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’.”
West, a legendary shooting guard, led the Los Angeles Lakers to nine NBA Finals, securing the championship title once. Notably, he remains the only player to be named Finals MVP while playing for the losing team, an honor he received in 1969. Drafted second overall in the 1960 NBA draft by the Minneapolis Lakers, who soon moved to Los Angeles, West became the third player to reach 25,000 points. Upon his retirement in 1974, he held records for career postseason scoring and the highest average in a playoff series.
In addition to his stellar NBA career, West was co-captain of the 1960 U.S. men’s basketball team that won Olympic gold. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019 by President Donald Trump. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1980, West will be honored again this year as a contributor to the game.
“As a player and an executive, his profound impact on the game of basketball is matched only by his character and integrity,” the Basketball Hall of Fame said in a statement. After his playing career, West, also known as “The Logo,” became a top NBA executive. As general manager and executive vice president of the Lakers, he built six championship teams, notably drafting Magic Johnson and acquiring Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. West also held executive roles with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors, where he won two additional titles, and the Clippers. He was named NBA Executive of the Year twice.
West’s passing has elicited a flood of tributes on social media from fans and basketball legends alike. Lakers’ star LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, expressed his sorrow on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Will truly miss our convos my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers goes out to your wonderful family! Forever love Jerry! Rest in Paradise my guy!”
Michael Jordan also offered his condolences through ESPN broadcaster Stephen A. Smith, stating, “I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry’s passing. He was truly a friend and a mentor, like an older brother to me. I valued his friendship and knowledge. I always wished I could’ve played against him as a competitor, but the more I came to know him, I wish I had been his teammate. He will be forever missed. My condolences to his wife Karen and his sons. Rest in peace, Logo.”
