Basketball world in mourning. Jerry West, the legendary Lakers player, later coach and general manager, and the creator of the world-famous NBA logo, has died at the age of 86. His wife Karen announced it to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Associated Press also confirms. West was “the epitome of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him,” the Clippers said in announcing his death.
Successes and career
Mr Logo, so nicknamed because it is said that his elegance in the way of playing basketball inspired the silhouette of the NBA logo, was first and foremost a great player. “One of the best to ever play” in the league, that’s what he called himself. 14-time All-Star, once MVP of the Finals in 1969, and once NBA champion, in 1972. In 1970 he led the NBA in scoring, with 31.2 per night, and in 1972 in assists with 9.7 on average. He was the third player in history to reach the 25,000 point milestone. And he was selected to the All-NBA team 12 times. The Lakers retired his No. 44 jersey. Also known as Mr Clutch, because it was to him that the Lakers entrusted the decisive shot. Successes that don’t stop just with the player’s shirt. On the contrary. Even more important achievements come in the role of general manager. Building a true Lakers dynasty. From the “Showtime” of the Magic Johnson-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar couple to the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O’Neal group. Under his leadership, the Lakers went to the NBA Finals eight times, winning four championships in his 18 seasons as an executive. The teams he built went on to win two more titles after his retirement.
