Jerry West, a basketball icon known for his illustrious career as both a player and executive, passed away Wednesday morning, as announced by the Los Angeles Clippers.
He was 86 years old.
Jerry West, General Manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, sits at his desk circa 1987 at The Forum in Los Angeles, California. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
West, famously dubbed “Mr. Clutch” for his ability to deliver in critical moments, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame firstly as a player in 1980 and secondly as part of the 1960 U.S. Olympic Team in 2010. Later this year, he was set to be enshrined for a third time as a contributor.
U.S. President Donald Trump (R) gives the Presidential Medal of Freedom to National Basket Ball Hall of Fame inductee Jerry West during a ceremony in the Oval Office at the White House on September 05, 2019, in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
During his tenure as general manager, West played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ success, contributing to the establishment of the “Showtime” dynasty that won eight NBA championships. His influence extended to front office roles with the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and the Clippers.
