Jerry West 1938-2024

Jerry West has passed away at the age of 86. In 1959, West was voted the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player despite his team West Virginia losing in the championship game to California. In 1960, West won a gold medal as a member of the United States Men's Olympic Basketball team. West would go to play for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1960 to 1974. During his time as a player for the Lakers, West was selected to fourteen All-Star games, ten All-NBA first teams and four All-NBA defensive first teams. In addition, West won a scoring title in 1970. In 1972, West led the league in assists, voted All-Star Game MVP and helped the Lakers win an NBA Championship. In 1969, despite his team losing to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, West was Finals MVP. West is the only player in NBA Finals history to be receive Finals MVP despite his team losing. West became the head coach of the Lakers from 1976 to 1979 where his team made the playoffs all three seasons. During the 1980's, West a key executive in in the Lakers Showtime dynasty helping the team win five championships during the decade. West continuted to showcase his executive genius with the beginning of the Lake Show dynasty as they won a championship in the 1999-2000 season. West was general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies from 2002 to 2007. West was an executive board member for the Golden State Warriors from 2012 to 2017. During his time with the Warriors, West was a part of the 2016-2017 championship season. From 2017 to 2024, West served as a board member and consultant for the Los Angeles Clippers. West was known as "the Logo", in reference to his silhouette being the basis for the NBA logo, "Mr. Clutch" for his ability to make buzzer-beaters and "Mr. Outside" due to his outside shooting. He is a member of the 35th, 50th and 75th NBA anniversary teams and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife Karen and two sons.