J.Erry West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three times in a storied career as a player and executive and whose silhouette is considered the basis of the NBA logo, died Wednesday morning, the Los Angeles Clippers announced.
He was 86 years old.
West, nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his late-game exploits as a player, was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1980 and again as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team in 2010. He will be enshrined for a third time later this year as a contributor.
West was “the embodiment of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him,” the Clippers said in announcing his death. West’s wife, Karen, was at his side when he died, the Clippers said.
He was a 14-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA, part of the 1972 Lakers team that won a championship, NBA Finals MVP as part of a losing team in 1969 and was selected as part of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team .
West was general manager of eight NBA championship teams with the Los Angeles Lakers, helping to build the “Showtime” dynasty. He also served on the front office of the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Clippers.
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