Jerry West, one of the greatest players in NBA history and the architect of the 1980s Lakers dynasty, passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 86, the Clippers announced. The cause of death has not been disclosed. His wife, Karen, was by his side when he passed.
West, whose silhouette is famously used for the NBA’s logo and who was affectionately nicknamed “Mr. Clutch,” had been serving as a consultant for the Clippers. His illustrious career, both on and off the court, left an indelible mark on the game of basketball.
Inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980, West was an All-Star in every season of his 14-year playing career, all with the Lakers. He played a pivotal role in leading the team to an NBA championship in 1972, averaging 27 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds over his career. His remarkable achievements include making the All-NBA First Team 10 times, the All-Defensive First Team four times, and becoming the NBA scoring champion in 1970.
Born in Chelyan, West Virginia, Jerome Alan West played collegiately at West Virginia University, where he was a two-time first-team All-American. Drafted No. 2 overall by the Minneapolis Lakers in the 1960 NBA draft, West transitioned with the team to Los Angeles, where he solidified his legacy. After retiring as a player in 1974, he served as the Lakers’ head coach and later as their general manager, orchestrating the Showtime Lakers that secured five NBA championships in the 1980s.
LeBron James, the current Lakers star, expressed his deep sorrow and admiration in a moving tribute: “Jerry West was more than just a legend on the court; he was a visionary whose impact on the game will be felt for generations. His dedication to excellence and his relentless pursuit of greatness set a standard that all of us strive to reach. Rest in peace, Mr. Clutch. Your legacy will forever live on.”
West’s contributions to basketball were recognized at the highest levels, earning him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019. He leaves behind his wife Karen, his sons Ryan and Jonnie from his second marriage, and three sons, David, Mark, and Michael, from his first marriage to Martha. His legacy, immortalized by his statue outside the Lakers’ arena and his retired No. 44 jersey, will continue to inspire and influence the world of basketball.
Jerry West’s passing is a profound loss for the basketball community, but his enduring influence and the countless lives he touched will ensure that his memory lives on.
News
MASSIVE BOMBSHELL – Lionel Messi has decided to LEAVE Inter Miami and has already chosen his next club!😳👀
Lionel Messi decides Inter Miami exit date; chooses next club he wants to join: Reports Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract will expire next December. Argentina legend Lionel Messi has allegedly decided to leave his current club Inter Miami at the…
Ex-Netherlands star blasted Ballon d’Or decision, claimed Lionel Messi didn’t deserve to win over him!😳😡
“It was a little unfair that I didn’t win and Messi did” – When ex-Netherlands star felt Lionel Messi did not deserve Ballon d’Or ahead of him Lionel Messi and his sons (Image via Getty) Former Dutch footballer Wesley Sneijder…
Lionel Messi’s 3 Kids: All About Mateo, Thiago and Ciro
Lionel Messi’s 3 Kids: All About Mateo, Thiago and Ciro Photo: Antonela Roccuzzo/Instagram When Lionel Messi helped Argentina secure a win against France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he had three very important fans cheering him on: his sons Mateo, Thiago and…
Lionel Messi’s love life with Antonella Roccuzzo including ‘difficult’ time and ‘stopping talking’
Lionel Messi met his wife Antonella Roccuzzo when the two were both children, but their relationship has been far from straightforward – even losing contact for a number of years Lionel Messi admits that his relationship with wife Antonella Roccuzzo hasn’t…
How Lionel Messi refused Saudi Arabia’s huge salary
Anmar Al Haili, President of Ettihad Club, shared how they contacted Lionel Messi when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain ended. Ettihad made a very attractive offer for Messi, including 1.4 billion euros and a salary of 88 million euros per…
Inter Miami will launch their 2025 home kit with a two-tone pink stripe design that incorporates the traditional Argentina shirt
Recently, information from Footy Headlines revealed good news for Inter Miami fans. This team is expected to launch a new home shirt for the 2025 season, with an impressive design that bears a strong traditional mark. Unique DesignThe new shirt…
End of content
No more pages to load