‘Mr Clutch’ leaves astonishing legacy
Jerry West, a Hall of Fame basketball player who won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers and was an executive during the Showtime Lakers era in the 1980s, has died, the Clippers organization announced today. He was 86.
West was with his wife, Karen, by his side when he died Wednesday morning.
West was the general manager of the Lakers from 1982 to 2000 and the Memphis Grizzlies from 2002 to 2007. He was a consultant with the Golden State Warriors from 2011 to 2017 and with the Clippers until his death.
“Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years. He distinguished himself not only as an NBA champion and an All Star in all 14 of his playing seasons, but also as a consummate competitor who embraced the biggest moments. He was the league’s first Finals MVP and made rising to the occasion his signature quality, earning
him the nickname ‘Mr. Clutch,’ ” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver posted on social media.
“Jerry’s four decades with the Lakers also included a successful stint as a head coach and a remarkable run in the front office that cemented his reputation as one of the greatest executives in sports history. He helped build eight championship teams during his tenure in the NBA — a legacy of achievement that mirrors his on-court excellence. And he will be enshrined this
October into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor, becoming the first person ever inducted as both a player and a contributor.”
He will be inducted to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Massachusetts for a record third time in October as a contributor to the game.
“I valued my friendship with Jerry and the knowledge he shared with me over many years about basketball and life,” Silver posted. “On behalf of the NBA, we send our deepest condolences to Jerry’s wife, Karen, his family and his many friends in the NBA community.”
West was inducted into the Hall of Fame the first time as a player in 1979 and, in 2010, was inducted as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team.
The contributor enshrinement honored his work as a general manager with the Lakers and Grizzlies, in addition to his time as a consultant with the Warriors and the Clippers.
While in those roles, West won eight championships and was twice selected NBA Executive of the Year.
West also won an NBA championship as a player with the Lakers in 1972. He played in the NBA Finals nine times and lost six times to the Boston Celtics. West was the MVP of the 1969 NBA Finals and is the only player to win the Finals MVP for a losing team. He averaged 37.9 points per game in the seven-game series against the Celtics.
He was credited as the architect of the Lakers in the 1980s and 1990s during his 18 seasons as general manager, including the deal that brought Kobe Bryant to Los Angeles.
“Congratulations to the logo legend and already 2x Hall of Famer Jerry West for being elected into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for the third time as a contributor!” Magic Johnson posted on social media in April when West’s Hall of Fame induction was announced.
“Thank you for drafting a skinny kid for Michigan State to the Lakers 45 years ago – together, we won 5 championships! You extended your winning legacy as the architect for the Kobe and Shaq era with an NBA Championship three-peat. THEN after doing a great job in Memphis, you went on to help Golden State win 2 Championships. This honor is well-deserved and well-earned!”
Before joining the Clippers in 2017, West spent six years with the Warriors and helped the team win titles in 2015 and 2017. He also spent five years in Memphis’ front office, rebuilding the franchise.
As a player, West was a 14-time All-Star with the Lakers, and was the inspiration for the NBA’s logo.