NBA legend Jerry West, whose prolific playing, coaching and management career landed him on the league’s logo, died on Wednesday.
The 86-year-old had most recently been working for the Los Angeles Clippers.
“Jerry West, the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86,” according to a statement by the Clippers. “His wife, Karen, was by his side.”
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame member was an all-American at the University of West Virginia before playing 14 seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Despite the fact West’s career came in an era with a much shorter playoff schedule, his name is still all over NBA postseason record books: 4,457 points (ninth most) 1,622 baskets made (ninth) and 1,213 free throws made (seventh) just to name a few.
In regular season play, West made 7,160 free throws, the ninth most.
West led the Lakers to nine appearances in the NBA finals, capturing the title once, in 1972.
He spent nearly two decades in the Lakers front office, serving as general manager and helping assemble the famed “Showtime” teams that captured multiple NBA titles.
In recent years, West had become an outspoken advocate for mental health, openly speaking about his battles with depression that traced back to childhood.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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