Checkered Flag Mr. Jerome (Jerry) Alan Alan West

[FL SAAC]

 May 28, 1938 - June 12, 2024 age 86 years

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement on Wednesday: "Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years. 

He distinguished himself not only as an NBA champion and an All-Star in all 14 of his playing seasons, but also as a consummate competitor who embraced the biggest moments.

"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," Silver continued.

"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."

West – known on the court as "Mr. Clutch" – was drafted by the then named Minneapolis Lakers in 1960, shortly before the franchise relocated to Los Angeles.

West played for the team as a point guard and shooting guard until 1974, and during this time he became a 14-time NBA All-Star and helped lead his team to the NBA Finals nine times.