Jerry West, an iconic figure in basketball who became the image of the NBA, passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 86, the Clippers announced.
West was a dynasty builder, winning nine NBA championships as a player, coach, scout, executive and consultant. As a player, he helped the Lakers win the 1972 NBA title, then went on to engineer another eight of the Lakers’ titles in the 1980s and 2000s. He was the architect of the “Showtime” dynasty.
West also was an adviser to the Golden State Warriors during their championship run and earned Executive of the Year twice (1995, 2004).
Most recently, West served as an executive board member and consultant with the Clippers, joining the team during the 2016 season at then-Coach Doc Rivers’ urging.
West was one of the game’s first superstars. He made the All-Star team in each of his 14 seasons and was named to the All-NBA team 12 times and the All-Defensive team five times with the Lakers.
He earned MVP honors in 1969, won the scoring title in 1970 and the assist title in 1972. He was named to the NBA’s anniversary team (35th, 50th and 75th) for his contributions to the game.
West also was a member of the U.S. Olympic Team that won a gold medal in 1960 at the Rome Games.
West, a graduate of West Virginia, spent his playing career with the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers, where he posted 25,192 points.
West is set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame for a third time this year — in 1980 as a player, in 2010 for being on the 1960 Olympic Team and this year as a contributor.
LeBron James tweeted Wednesday, “Will truly miss our convos my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers goes out to your wonderful family! Forever I love Jerry! Rest in Paradise my guy!”
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