Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.
Lakers Legend Jerry West Has Died
Executive board member Jerry West of the L.A. Clippers watches the action between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks during the 2019 Summer League.
(
Michael Reaves
/
Getty Images
)
Lakers legend Jerry West, whose silhouette is the NBA logo, has died. He was 86.
West is a three-time Hall of Famer, inducted in 1980 as a player and then later in 2010 as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team. Most recently, he was inducted this year as a contributor.
The L.A. Clippers, where West has been working as a consultant since 2017, announced on X that he was “the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him.”
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. His wife, Karen, was by his side. pic.twitter.com/iMwOXmCT2B
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) June 12, 2024
West also served in the front office for the Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors.
Nicknamed “Mr. Clutch,” West reached dizzying heights as a player for the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the third player ever to reach 25,000 points. In his 14-year career, he made the All-Star team every year he played and was instrumental in the Lakers reaching the NBA Finals nine times.
Sponsored message
BALTIMORE, MD - CIRCA 1972: Jerry West #44 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball up court against the Baltimore Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1972 at the Baltimore Civic Center in Baltimore, Maryland. West played for the Lakers from 1960-74. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
(
Focus On Sport/Getty Images
/
Getty Images North America
)
West was a legend off the court as well. When his career as a player came to an end, he took over as coach of the Lakers, during which his team reached the playoffs every year he coached. He then went on to become an executive for the Lakers, where he built the “Showtime” dynasty with the drafting of Magic Johnson and eventually bringing in Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and coach Phil Jackson.
INGLEWOOD, CA - CIRCA 1977: Head coach Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench during an NBA basketball game circa 1977 at The Forum in Inglewood, California. West coached the Lakers from 1976-79. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jerry West
(
Focus On Sport/Getty Images
/
Getty Images North America
)
In a statement, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, “Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years.”
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
