Legendary Jerry West, who was the inspiration for the current NBA logo, has died at the age of 86. West is considered one of the greatest and most accomplished basketball figures of all time. He was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame three times, two times as a player and once as a contributor to the game.
“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.
Jerry West spent his entire playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He won the NBA title with the franchise in 1972 and made 14 All-Star appearances. West remains to date the only player in NBA history to win the NBA Finals MVP honors while playing on the losing team.
After retiring in 1974, West briefly served as a head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers before transitioning to front office. He became the Lakers’ general manager ahead of the 1982–83 season and played an important role in constructing the Showtime Lakers, a dynasty that won five NBA titles in the 80s.
West departed the Lakers in 2000 after winning another NBA title. He later served as a general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies and executive with the Golden State Warriors, winning three more championships with the latter.
More recently, West served in an advisory role for the Los Angeles Clippers.
