Jerry West, a basketball legend who inspired the NBA logo, dies at 86

Jerry West, an iconic 1960s star guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who inspired the NBA logo, died Wednesday at age 86, the Los Angeles Clippers announced.

West played for the Lakers from 1960 through 1974, winning his only NBA title in 1972, and was co-captain on the 1960 Rome Olympic US basketball gold medal squad.

In later years, West served as an executive on several NBA clubs, most recently the Clippers, his knowledge and guidance contributing to eight championship runs, six by the Lakers.

"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," the Clippers announced. "His wife, Karen, was by his side."

The league plans to have a pre-game tribute to West before Wednesday's third game of this year's NBA Finals.

"I'm so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry's passing," fellow NBA icon Michael Jordan said in a statement. "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. Rest in peace, Logo."

With impressive speed and quickness and a deft shooting touch, West was nicknamed "Mr. Clutch" for his skilled shotmaking under pressure.

"He was the league's first Finals MVP and made rising to the occasion his signature quality," Silver said.

(AFP)

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