Source: Walter Iooss Jr. /Getty
NBA legend Jerry West Aka Mr. Clutch, passed away. It was 86.
The Los Angeles Clippers, one of the organizations where West was a longtime executive, announced his death on Wednesday morning (June 12). West famously inspired the now-iconic NBA logo, which is a silhouette from the Hall of Fame guard's playing days.
On the front office side, West was the general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers during the “Showtime” dynasty that included Magic Johnson, James Worthy and other stars. It was West who secured the draft rights for the Lakers to lock up a young high school basketball star named Kobe Bryant.
![LOS ANGELES, CA FEBRUARY 3, 2010 – Lakers Kobe Bryant shakes hands with Jerry West during AC](https://hiphopwired.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2024/06/17182032988431.jpg?w=1024&strip=all&quality=85)
![LOS ANGELES, CA FEBRUARY 3, 2010 – Lakers Kobe Bryant shakes hands with Jerry West during AC](https://hiphopwired.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2024/06/17182032988431.jpg?w=1024&strip=all&quality=85)
Source: Wally Skalij/Getty
Among West's extensive on-court accomplishments as a professional after starring at West Virginia University were 12 All-NBA selections, 14 All-Star selections and a championship with the 1972 Los Angeles Lakers. Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team , was a member of the 1960 USA Olympic basketball team and was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1980.
West's passing reverberated across social media, with peers, NBA pros, journalists and basketball fans alike saluting the legend. Check out some of the most moving tributes in the gallery.