Lakers legend Jerry West passes away at age 86

Jerry West, a Hall of Fame basketball icon who won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers and was an executive during the Showtime Lakers era in the 1980s and later worked in the front office for the Los Angeles Clippers, died on Wednesday at age 86.
According to a statement from the Clippers, West’s wife, Karen, was by his side.
West, known as a player as “Mr. Clutch,” 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. His impact on the game and the NBA was immeasurable, and his silhouette is still used as the NBA’s logo, earning West the alternate nickname “The Logo.”
Remembering “Mr. Clutch”
“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,” Silver continued. “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.”
West 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 added “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.”
Helped guide eight NBA
championship teams
West was inducted into the Hall of Fame the first time as a player in 1979 and then as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team in 2010.
The contributor enshrinement honors 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.
“This is a hard day,” Clippers owner Steve Ballmer said in a statement. “I am honored to call Jerry a confidant, an adviser and a friend. Connie, my wife, called him my ‘basketball dad.’ He was absolutely my basketball sage: wise, loyal and so much fun. If you were in his presence, you felt his competitiveness and his drive. He cared about everything and everyone.
“From the first day I met Jerry seven years ago, he inspired me with his intellect, honesty and enthusiasm. He never stopped. I spent a lot of time with him, some of the best times of my life. He always lent an ear, and he always had a quip. He always left me laughing. I will miss him.”
West 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. Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, paid tribute to West on Instagram, posting a photo of him with Bryant with a pair of purple and gold heart emojis.
Lakers statement
The Lakers organization issued a statement: “Jerry West is forever a basketball icon. He brought the Lakers fans their first championship in Los Angeles in 1972 and was integral to another six titles during his time with us. Our thoughts are with the West family and the many NBA fans who honor his legacy. Jerry West will always be a Lakers legend.” The Lakers posted a photo of West on social media showing him with his jersey hanging in the background, with the caption “Honoring the legendary Jerry West.”
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.
“Jerry West was an incredible and unique individual, having accomplished immeasurable heights in the game of basketball,” Warriors owner Joe Lacob said in a statement. “He reached the absolute pinnacle of the sport as both a player and executive, something few can claim in the profession. He did so much for the NBA, the game of basketball and each of the teams he was associated with during his unmatched career, including the Warriors.”
As a player, West was a 14-time All-Star with the Lakers.
On X (formerly Twitter) Wednesday morning, Lakers star LeBron James wrote: “Will truly miss our convos my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers go out to your wonderful family! Forever love Jerry. Rest in Paradise, my guy! My mentor, my friend! Hopefully I continue to make you proud! You’re already missed!”
The Los Angeles Dodgers issued a statement on social media, saying, “The Dodgers mourn the passing of NBA Hall of Famer and Lakers legend Jerry West, an indelible figure on the Los Angeles sports landscape for more than 60 years. We send our most sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
Michael Jordan statement
Michael Jordan had this to say: “I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry’s passing. He was truly a friend and mentor. Like an older brother to me. I valued his friendship and knowledge. I always wished I could’ve played against him as a competitor, but the more I came to know him, I wish I had been his teammate.”
From Shaquille O’Neal: “You deserve to be The Logo, but to all of us who had the honor of knowing you, you were so much more. With all of your nicknames–Mr. Clutch, Mr. Outside, or even Zeke From Cabin Creek–they still don’t capture the man that you were. But I have a final label for you, and I am so proud that I got to call you this: Friend.”
Former Lakers player and head coach Byron Scott said this: “It’s because of Jerry West that there was even ‘Showtime.’ It’s because of you that I am who I am today. You believed in me when no one else did and for that I’m forever grateful. You will always be my ‘Basketball Dad.’ I love you Logo. My heart is broken. You will be missed.”
Two-time NBA champion Isiah Thomas posted on X: Rest in Peace. We lost a great one today.”
Oscar Robertson statement
From NBA Hall-of-Famner Oscar Robertson: “I do not have the words at this moment to express how I feel. Great friend. Great competitor. Great for the game of basketball. Will always have love in my heart for number 44.”
Finally, Earvin “Magic” Johnson offered a touching tribute to West on Wednesday: “I met Jerry West for the first time in 1979 at the Forum where he introduced me to Bill Sharman, Chick Hearn, and then Laker owner Jack Kent Cooke.
“My father, agent and I negotiated over lunch, then Jerry took me to the locker room to show me my Lakers jersey. I started to cry and Jerry explained to me the expectation of wearing the purple and gold, how he saw my role and how he envisioned me fitting into the organization. I’ll never forget that moment.
“LakerNation, the only reason we have 17 NBA championships is because of Jerry West and his expertise in drafting players, trading for players and hiring the right coaches. Today is a sad day for basketball fans and sports fans across the globe.”
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