RIP to the NBA legend who is also known as “The Logo.”
On Wednesday, the NBA announced that long time player and front office executive Jerry West died at the age of 86 in Los Angeles. He was most famous as a player for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1960-74 after playing college basketball at West Virginia. He won one NBA championship as a player in 1972. West’s silhouette is also the NBA’s logo, even though the league doesn’t want to admit it officially.
After his playing career, West became the Lakers’ head coach from 1976-79 before becoming a long-time front office executive for several teams, most notably for the Lakers as their General Manager where they would win six championships. He would then join the Memphis Grizzlies, the Golden State Warriors (where he won two more championships) and finally, the Los Angeles Clippers as a consultant 2017-24.
While West never played or worked for the Washington Wizards/Bullets, Monumental Sports & Entertainment CEO Ted Leonsis posted this on X.
RIP to a legend and sports icon, Jerry West. pic.twitter.com/tSQTL3LqJi
— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) June 12, 2024
In addition to Leonsis, Washington Mystics General Manager Mike Thibault was an assistant coach for the Lakers from 1980-82. Thibault posted this message on X today.
Very sad to hear of the passing of Jerry West. He gave me my start in the NBA. Terrific person and professional!! My deepest condolences to his wife, Karen, and his family. He will be missed by all who knew him!
— Mike Thibault (@coachthibault) June 12, 2024
RIP, Jerry.