NBA legend Jerry West passes away at the age of 86
NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West died Wednesday morning at the age of 86.
West put together a legendary career that far exceeded his playing days. He excelled as an executive, general manager, and front-office figure. He earned 12 All-Star selections, an NBA Finals MVP, an NBA title, 12 All-NBA team selections, and four All-Defensive First Team nods.
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He helped guide the Los Angeles Lakers to nine NBA Finals, in which he won one title against the Boston Celtics. He is also the third player to reach 25,000 career points.
As an executive, he was part of eight NBA championships while winning a pair of Executive of the Year awards.
“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 via ESPN. “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.”
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West’s impact went far beyond his play on the court as he helped shape the early stages of the NBA. His presence as an executive helped play a key part in putting together championship teams with the Lakers and Golden State Warriors.
Jerry West was a legendary figure who left an irreplaceable imprint on the NBA that forever changed the game.
