The 12-time All-NBA guard was a member of the NBA’s 50th and 75th anniversary teams and one of the league’s most iconic players.
NBA superstar and legendary person The LA Clippers announced on Wednesday that Jerry West, a legendary player and executive in the league, has passed away at the age of 86. Since 2017, West has served as the team’s consultant.
“At the age of 86, Jerry West, the epitome of basketball greatness and a friend to everyone he encountered, departed quietly this morning. The Clippers declared that “his wife, Karen, was by his side.”
In response to West’s passing, NBA commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement on Thursday:
“For more than 60 years, Jerry West was a basketball genius and a pivotal figure in our league. In addition to becoming an NBA champion and an All-Star every each of his 14 seasons as a player, he stood out for being a perfect competitor who relished the big occasions.
Being the first MVP of the league for the Finals, he made it his trademark to rise to the moment, gaining the moniker “Mr. Clutch.”
“In addition to his spectacular tenure as head coach, Jerry spent four decades with the Lakers running a front office that solidified his status as one of the best executives in sports history.
During his NBA career, he contributed to the development of eight championship teams, leaving an accomplishment legacy that matches his superior play on the court.
And he will become the first person to be inducted as both a player and a contributor when he is honored as a contributor in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this October.
“I treasured my friendship with Jerry and the life and basketball wisdom he imparted to me over the years.
We at the NBA extend our sincere sympathies to Jerry’s wife, Karen, as well as to his family and numerous NBA friends.