The basketball world mourns the loss of Jerry West, the NBA icon and Hall of Famer whose silhouette is immortalized in the league’s iconic logo.
Jerry West passed away on Wednesday morning, with his beloved wife Karen by his side, the Los Angeles Clippers confirmed in a heartfelt statement. He was 86 years old.
West’s illustrious career began in 1960 when the Los Angeles Lakers selected him as the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA draft. He quickly emerged as a star, averaging 17.6 points per game during his rookie season and an impressive 30.8 points per game in his second year.
Spanning 14 seasons, West’s tenure with the Lakers was nothing short of remarkable. He earned All-Star honors every single season and secured one NBA championship.
In 1969, the NBA chose an image of him in action as the basis for its now-famous logo, cementing his legacy in the sport’s history even before his retirement.
Jerry West’s impact on basketball and his enduring legacy will forever be remembered by fans and players alike.
