This morning, the LA Clippers introduced that NBA legend Jerry West handed away at 86. He died peacefully at his house. Jerry West was a basketball lifer and was one of many biggest contributors to the game. Within the NBA, West gained 9 championships as a participant, coach, scout, government, and guide.
The 14-time all-star is well-known for his silhouette being the inspiration behind the NBA emblem. West is among the biggest Basic Managers of all time. He helped the Nineteen Eighties and 2000s Lakers win 10 titles. Moreover, he was an advisor to the long-lasting Warriors’ groups from the early to late 2010s. The NBA will mourn the lack of Jerry West.
Jerry West was one of many biggest contributors to the NBA
Basketball Corridor of Famer Jerry West has died on the age of 86. pic.twitter.com/hF2xptmySL
— ESPN (@espn) June 12, 2024
Earlier than his time as a GM and government within the NBA, Jerry West was one of many first superstars within the NBA. West performed 14 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was an all-star each season and was the 1971-72 MVP. In his time with LA, West and the Lakers solely gained one championship however they made 9 Finals appearances. The historic Boston Celtics with Invoice Russell beat West and the Lakers six occasions. Within the 1969 NBA Finals, the Lakers misplaced to Boston however West was named Finals MVP. It’s nonetheless the one time in NBA historical past {that a} member of the dropping staff gained that award. West averaged (37.9) factors in a seven-game sequence.
Jerry West didn’t play when the three-point line was round however he was identified for his nice long-distance taking pictures. Arguably probably the most iconic shot of his profession was a 60-foot buzzer-beater that despatched Sport 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals to OT. His nickname was “Mr.Clutch” and West was identified for making and taking massive photographs. After his profession was over, West coached the Lakers for 3 seasons earlier than he took over as GM in 1982-83. He noticed the Lakers win eight championships as GM for 18 seasons. West left after the 1999-00 season. The Lakers would win two extra championships after that on their approach to a three-peat. All that success was arrange by Jerry West.
Jerry West is a basketball icon.
◻️NBA champ as participant
◻️Finals MVP regardless of staff dropping
◻️14x All-Star (yearly)
◻️9 Finals appearances
◻️Highest sequence PPG (46.3)
◻️Scoring and help title
◻️12x All-NBA
◻️5x All-Protection
◻️2x Exec of the Yr
◻️8 rings as exec
◻️Helped construct… pic.twitter.com/CyNK3A0wso— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 12, 2024
He signed Shaquille O’Neal to the Lakers and traded for the draft rights to Kobe Bryant. Two unimaginable and franchise-changing strikes for the Lakers. In 2011, West joined the Warriors as an government board member. He famously opposed the commerce of Klay Thompson for Kevin Love and that deal by no means occurred. To assist the Warriors, West recruited Kevin Durant within the 2016 offseason and the staff gained back-to-back titles. West left in 2017 and joined the Clippers the place he recruited Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to affix LA. Jerry West was a legend of the sport and he will probably be missed by all the NBA neighborhood.