NBA Icon Jerry West Passes Away at 86

Jerry West, the legendary basketball player and executive who inspired the NBA logo, passed away today at the age of 86.

West, also known as Mr. Clutch, had a storied career spanning over six decades. He played for the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers from 1960 to 1974, earning 14 All-Star selections and winning the NBA Finals MVP in 1969. He later went on to become a successful scout, coach, and executive, playing a key role in building the Lakers' dynasty of the 1980s.

West's impact on the game extended beyond his playing career. He was the inspiration for the NBA logo, designed by Alan Siegel in 1971, which features a silhouette of West dribbling the ball.

Throughout his life, West received numerous accolades for his contributions to basketball, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019. He will be deeply missed by the NBA community and remembered as one of the greatest players and executives in the history of the game.