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Jerry West, one of the greatest players in NBA history, breathed his last at the age of 86, the LA Clippers have announced. West was working as a consultant for the Clippers since 2017. He was first enshrined as a player in 1980 and again as a member of the U.S. Olympic team of 1960 in 2010.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced on X that Jerry West would be enshrined for a third time in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in October as a 'contributor', making him the first person to be enshrined as both player and executive.
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“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."
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West, a 14x All-Star, is considered one of the greatest LA Lakers ever. The 12X All-NBA selection won the NBA title in 1972 after many in previous Finals. West won the 1969 Finals MVP despite being on the losing side. The Lakers went 1-8 in the Finals with him.
His Lakers stint as executive was arguably even more succesful, as he was involved with The Showtime Lakers of the 1980s and later responsible for acquiring Kobe Bryant with a draft day trade in 1996.
He won the Executive of the Year in 1995 with the Lakers and again in 2005 while at the helm of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Jerry West remembered as a 'friend and mentor' by the best
Many NBA stars past and present have posted emotional tributes to Jerry West on social media. LeBron James called West a 'close friend' and said that he would miss their many conversations.
"Will truly miss our convos my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers goes out to your wonderful family! Forever love Jerry! Rest in Paradise my guy"
Michael Jordan, shared his own heartfelt tribute through Stephen A. Smith on First Take.
"I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry's passing. He was truly a friend and a mentor. Like an older brother to me. ... Rest in Peace, Logo."
Jerry West's many contributions in the NBA are well-remembered, but his impact also looms large on the college game. The Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award is given out annually to the best collegiate player in that position.
