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NBA legend and the rumored inspiration behind the league’s logo, Jerry West, has passed away at the age of 86.
According to the NBA, the Los Angeles Clippers confirmed West’s passing via X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday, June 12. The organization notes that West worked as a “consultant” for the team for the past seven years.
“Jerry West, the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86. His wife, Karen, was by his side,” the LA Clippers’ tweet reads.
According to ABC News, West entered the league as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1960 “by the then-Minneapolis Lakers.” He reportedly averaged “27 points, 6.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game over his career.”
According to the NBA, West also served as the “general manager of eight NBA championship teams with the Los Angeles Lakers.” Additionally, he worked alongside the Memphis Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors.
Furthermore, West is reportedly responsible for drafting the likes of Magic Johnson and scouting Lakers icon Kobe Bryant.
The NBA adds that the legend was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on three occasions. The outlet reports that West’s “silhouette is considered to be the basis of the NBA logo.”
“While it’s never been officially declared that the logo is Jerry West, it sure looks a lot like him,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reportedly stated in 2021, per ESPN.
Before the Clippers revealed West’s death, ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski took to X to share a message about West.
“Jerry West lived a profound basketball and American life — iconic as a player, executive and looming figure in the history of the game. He was an MVP, a champion, a gold medalist, a dynasty-builder and literally the league’s logo. His loss leaves a massive void,” he wrote.
Current Lakers player LeBron James also took the platform to share his own message about West.
“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!…” he wrote.
According to CNN, a representative for Michael Jordan shared a statement on his behalf.
“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. 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. I admired his basketball insights, and he and I shared many similarities to how we approached the game. He will be forever missed. My condolences to his wife Karen and his sons. Rest in peace, Logo,” Jordan reportedly stated.
Furthermore, the official NBA Communications account shared a statement from Commissioner Adam Silver via X.
“Jerry’s four decades with the Lakers also included a successful stint as a head coach and remarkable run in the front office that cemented his reputation as one of the greatest executives in sport history. He helped build eight championship teams during his tenure in the NBA — a legacy of achievement that mirrors his on-court excellence… 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,” the statement reads in part.
Social media users reacted to the news of West’s passing in The Shade Room’s comment section.
Instagram user @dkirk_kv wrote, “Wow 😮 the NBA logo has passed🕊️🕊️🕊️”
While Instagram user @syaridakid added, “Damn jerry west the logo! damn legend this a tuff day! underrated”
Rapper Fat Joe added, “🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽”
