LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 11: Jerry West attends a basketball game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Portland Trail Blazersat the Thomas & Mack Center on July 11, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
On June 12, 2024, the world of basketball mourned the loss of a legend, Jerry West, who passed away at the age of 86. Jerry West was born on May 28, 1938, in Chelyan, West Virginia, and began his basketball journey in a small coal mining town.
Despite his humble beginnings and early physical shortcomings, West’s talent and dedication led him to a successful career in the NBA, where he played for 14 years with the Los Angeles Lakers.
He was a 12-time All-NBA performer who knew how to elevate his game when the lights shined the brightest. He was the third player in history to score 25,000 points, following in the footsteps of Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson.
Post-Playing Career
West’s illustrious career extended beyond his playing days. After retiring as a player, he embarked on a highly successful coaching and management career. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted him as a player in 1980 and as an executive in 2024.
Many people consider West to be the greatest talent evaluator of all time. He won eight rings as an executive and contributed to building great teams in Memphis, Golden State, and both Los Angeles teams.
Death and Tributes
West’s death was announced by the Los Angeles Clippers, where he had been working as a consultant since 2017. The Clippers’ statement read, “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.
His wife, Karen, was by his side”. Tributes have poured in from across the NBA and the sports world. Oscar Robertson, West’s teammate on the 1960 Olympic team and a rival in the NBA, released a statement following West’s death. The NBA community has hailed West as a ‘basketball genius’.
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Legacy
Jerry West’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of basketball players. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the court, have left a permanent mark on the NBA. As we remember Jerry West, we celebrate a life dedicated to basketball and mourn the loss of a true legend.
Achievements and Contributions
Throughout his 14-year NBA career, Jerry West amassed an impressive array of individual awards. He averaged 27 points and 6.7 assists in 932 games played from 1961 to 1974, scoring a total of 25,192 points with the Lakers.
His exceptional skills were recognized with 14 NBA All-Star selections and 10 All-NBA First Team honors. West’s defensive skills was also evident, earning him four NBA All-Defensive First Team nods. His impact on the game was further solidified with the 1969 NBA Finals MVP and the 1972 NBA Championship.
West’s contributions to the NBA extended beyond his playing career. As an executive, he was instrumental in shaping squads that won five NBA titles between 1982 and 2000. He is credited as the architect of the Showtime Lakers with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He also played an important role in trading up for Kobe Bryant in the 1996 draft and signing Shaquille O’Neal.
Jerry West’s silhouette is widely believed to be the inspiration for the NBA logo, earning him the nickname “The Logo”. His ability to make crucial plays in key situations earned him another nickname, “Mr. Clutch”.
One of his most famous moments was his buzzer-beater to tie Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, considered one of the greatest plays in sports history. His contributions to the sport of basketball are immeasurable and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
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