Inspiration behind NBA logo, Jerry West dies at 86

NEW YORK CITY — Jerry West, the inspiration for the NBA’s logo and famed former basketball player has died.

According to AP, West was 86-years-old. 

Basketball Hall of Famer Jerry West has died at the age of 86. pic.twitter.com/hF2xptmySL

— ESPN (@espn) June 12, 2024

Jerry West was one of basketball’s most accomplished contributors. He won nine championships as a player, scout, coach, executive, and consultant. He is also regarded as one of the greatest general managers in NBA history.

ESPN reported that West was the third NBA player to reach 25,000 scored points. He led the Los Angeles Lakers to finals nine times and won a championship title with the team in 1972. 

Following his career playing basketball, West found success as a basketball executive. In the 1980s, ESPN said that he built the  Showtime Lakers. The team went on to win five championship titles during the decade. 

AP reports West was inducted into the Hall of Fame as an NBA player in 1980 and again in 2010 as a member of the 1960 USA Basketball Men’s Olympic Team. Later this year, he will be inducted once again as a contributor to the NBA.

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