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NBA legend Jerry West — the inspiration behind the league’s iconic emblem — has sadly died.
The Los Angeles Clippers stated in an announcement the Corridor of Famer handed away on Wednesday morning together with his spouse, Karen, by his aspect.
No additional particulars surrounding his demise have been launched.
He was 86 years outdated.
West started his historic professional basketball profession in 1960 … after the Lakers chosen him with the No. 2 total choose within the NBA draft. He instantly turned a star — averaging 17.6 factors per recreation as a rookie, earlier than totaling 30.8 factors per contest in his sophomore marketing campaign.
West ended up taking part in 14 seasons within the Affiliation — all with the Lakers. He made the All-Star crew in each season … and received one championship.
In 1969, just a few years earlier than he formally retired, the NBA created its modern-day emblem based mostly on a picture of him on the courtroom.
West did not keep away from basketball lengthy in retirement … as he turned head coach of the Lakers in 1976. He went on to handle the squad for 3 seasons, piling up a 145-101 file.
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Following his stint on the bench, West moved into L.A.’s entrance workplace … and later turned the crew’s GM in 1982. He helped type the “Showtime” dynasty … and introduced 5 extra titles to the Lakers.
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One among West’s most shrewd strikes got here in 1996 … when he traded for the rights to pick Kobe Bryant within the NBA draft.
West later helped construct groups for the Grizzlies, Warriors and Clippers.
In 2010, he was elected into the Corridor of Fame, and in 2011, the Lakers honored him with a statue outdoors of Crypto.com Area.
Adam Silver launched an announcement shortly after his passing, saying he “valued my friendship with Jerry and the knowledge he shared with me over many years about basketball and life.”
“On behalf of the NBA,” the commish stated, “we send our deepest condolences to Jerry’s wife, Karen, his family and his many friends in the NBA community.”
RIP.