NEW YORK, NY — There is somber news out of the NBA today as NBA Legend and the man on the NBA Logo, Jerry West, has died. He was 86. West was a 12-time All-NBA guard and one of the league’s most iconic players of all time.
The former Los Angeles Lakers was one of the most influential players of his time. His all-around basketball skills helped him reach the NBA Hall of Fame. He was a successful general manager and will be missed.
“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 about West on Wednesday morning. “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.
“I valued my friendship with Jerry and the knowledge he shared with me over many years about basketball and life. On behalf of the NBA, we send our deepest condolences to Jerry’s wife, Karen, his family, and his many friends in the NBA community,” Silver continued.
West’s NBA career began in 1960, when he was drafted second overall by the Lakers as the franchise moved from Minneapolis. He later served as general manager of the Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies, and as a consultant for the Golden State Warriors and LA Clippers. Along the way, West collected nine championship rings through his stellar work on the court and in the front office, marking one of the longest tenures in league history.
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