The basketball world is mourning the loss of Jerry West, an iconic figure in the sport and the inspiration behind the NBA’s famous logo. West passed away on June 12, 2024, at the age of 86, with his wife, Karen, by his side. His death was announced by the Los Angeles Clippers, where he served as an executive board member and consultant since 2017.
Jerry West, often referred to as “Mr. Clutch” for his performance in high-pressure situations, is renowned not only for his playing career but also for his contributions off the court. He was a 14-time NBA All-Star and a 12-time All-NBA team member, spending his entire playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers. West led the Lakers to an NBA championship in 1972 and was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1969, despite his team not winning the championship that year, an honor still unique to him.
In addition to his remarkable career as a player, West’s silhouette has been immortalized in the NBA’s logo. Designed by Alan Siegel in 1969, the logo was inspired by a photograph of West dribbling the ball, encapsulating the grace and dynamism of basketball. Although the NBA has never officially confirmed West’s identity as the logo, the association has become synonymous with his legacy.
After retiring as a player, West transitioned into coaching and team management, becoming one of the most successful executives in NBA history. He played a pivotal role in building the “Showtime” Lakers, a dynasty that secured five championships in the 1980s. His executive prowess didn’t stop there; he later contributed to the success of the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Clippers. Notably, he was instrumental in signing Shaquille O’Neal and drafting Kobe Bryant, which led to another era of Lakers dominance in the early 2000s.
West’s influence extended beyond the NBA courts. He was a gold medalist with the U.S. basketball team at the 1960 Rome Olympics, a team that marked America’s fifth consecutive triumph in men’s basketball at the Games. His achievements earned him induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame three times: as a player in 1980, as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team in 2010, and he was set to be inducted again later this year as a contributor.
Tributes have poured in from across the basketball community. LeBron James and other NBA stars have expressed their condolences and respect for West’s enduring legacy. The Los Angeles Clippers honored him with a statement, calling West “the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him.”
West’s passing marks the end of an era, but his impact on the game of basketball will be felt for generations to come. His contributions as a player, executive, and the symbolic figure of the NBA logo have left an indelible mark on the sport.
