Basketball legend and three-time Hall of Famer Jerry West, whose silhouette inspired the NBA logo, has died aged 86. West, nicknamed ‘Mr Clutch’ for his late-game exploits as a player, went into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1980 and again as a member of the 1960 US Olympic Team in 2010. He will be enshrined for a third time later this year as a contributor.
“Beyond his basketball accolades as a basketball player and NBA executive, Jerry West was a great man, a leader of men, fiercely loved his family and friends, and despite holding jobs with other franchises, he was a Lakers fan for life. “Laker Nation, the only reason we have 17 NBA championships is because of Jerry West and his expertise drafting players, trading for players, and hiring the right coaches. Today is a sad day for basketball fans and sports fans across the globe.