Jerry West, a legendary figure in basketball, passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 86, as announced by the Los Angeles Clippers. West, often referred to as “Mr. Clutch” for his late-game performances, is widely believed to be the silhouette in the NBA logo, though this has never been officially confirmed by the league.
West’s illustrious career spanned multiple facets of basketball. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame three times: as a player in 1980, as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic Team in 2010, and he will be enshrined later this year as a contributor. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised West as “one of the greatest executives in sports history,” noting his role in building eight championship teams during his time in the NBA.
West’s wife, Karen, was by his side when he passed. The Clippers, where West worked as a consultant for the past seven years, described him as “the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him.”
During his 14-season career as a player, West was an All-Star every season, a 12-time All-NBA selection, and part of the 1972 Lakers championship team. He was the NBA Finals MVP in 1969, the only time the award has been given to a player from the losing team. West remains the all-time leader in total points, field goals made and attempted, and free throws made and attempted in the NBA Finals.
As an executive, West played a significant role in shaping several successful teams, including the Lakers’ “Showtime” dynasty. He was instrumental in drafting Magic Johnson and James Worthy, and later bringing Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal to the Lakers. He also contributed to the success of the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and the Clippers.
West’s impact on basketball bridged generations, having played alongside legends like Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain, and later working with stars such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George.
LeBron James expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “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!”
West’s legacy in the NBA is underscored by his position as 25th on the league’s all-time scoring list and his routine presence at Summer League games in Las Vegas, where he was often seen greeting players like LeBron James.
Born in Chelyan, West Virginia, West was known for his relentless work ethic from a young age, practicing until his fingers bled. He was the first high school player in West Virginia to score over 900 points in a season. West later led West Virginia University to the NCAA final in 1959 and won an Olympic gold medal in 1960 before joining the Lakers.
In his memoir, “West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life,” he revealed his lifelong battle with depression, rooted in a difficult childhood with an abusive father. Basketball, he wrote, was his therapy and escape.
West’s career achievements include being named one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players in 1996 and one of the 75 greatest players in 2021. In 2019, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and the NBA have both planned tributes for West, acknowledging his profound impact on the sports community in Los Angeles and beyond. The NBA will honor him before Game 3 of the Finals between the Celtics and Mavericks.
Reflecting on his journey in 2019, West said, “You know, it never ceases to amaze me the places you can go in this world chasing a bouncing ball… I was a dreamer. My family didn’t have much, but we had a clear view of the Appalachian Mountains, and I’d sit alone on our front porch and wonder, ‘If I ever make it to the top of that mountain, what will I see on the other side?’ Well, I did make it to the other side, and my dreams have come true.”
West’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy in the world of basketball remains indelible.
