Jerry West, a three-time Basketball Hall of Famer whose silhouette is considered to be the basis of the NBA logo, has died at age 86.
Jerry West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three times in a storied career as a player and executive and whose silhouette is considered to be the basis of the NBA logo, died Wednesday morning at the age of 86, the LA Clippers announced.
West was the third player in NBA history to reach 25,000 points, was an All-Star every year of his career and led the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Finals nine times, winning one title in 1971-72. He was also a 12-time All-NBA selection, an NBA Finals MVP as part of a losing team in 1969 and part of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.
« 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. »
« . 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. »
Jerry West scored the most points in the NBA Finals in league history. He also recorded the most 30-point games in NBA Finals history with 31.
The NBA is planning a pregame tribute to West before Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.
West was « the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him », the Clippers said in announcing his death, adding that Karen West was by his side when he died.
