Jerry West's Notable Achievements - NBA icon breathes his last at 86 years old.
Jerry West, a legendary figure in the world of basketball who was loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, passed away peacefully yesterday at the age of 86. His wife Karen was with him when he took his last breath.
The Los Angeles Clippers, a team West worked with after retiring from the game, paid tribute to him on Instagram: "Jerry West, a master of basketball artistry and a dear friend to everyone who knew him, went to sleep peacefully at the age of 86 today. Karen, his wife, stayed by his side until the very end." The statement did not include any additional information about the exact circumstances of his passing.
West's extraordinary journey in the sport began in 1960 when he became a groundbreaking player for the Los Angeles Lakers. His career with the team lasted until 1974. In 1969, the NBA crowned him with the honor of having his image featured in their iconic logo, thus bestowing him with the moniker "The Logo."
Just as successful away from the game
After retiring from the court, West's success continued. His roles as a coach, executive, and consultant allowed him to remain an integral part of the basketball world. During his tenure, he played a crucial part in signing Shaquille O'Neal (52), a future superstar, to the Lakers. West's illustrious career spanned both on and off the court, making him a permanent fixture in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The basketball legend's impact reached beyond the court as well. In the recent series "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty", produced by HBO, a celebration of the famous NBA team's glory days was created. West was portrayed by actor Jason Clarke (54) in this cinematic homage.
