A Life Of Basketball

Jerry West, NBA Legend and Executive, Dies at 83

A Life of Basketball

Jerry West, one of the greatest basketball players and executives of all time, has passed away at the age of 83. West, known as "Mr. Clutch" for his ability to make big plays in critical moments, was a 14-time NBA All-Star and led the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA championship in 1972.

West's Career

West was born in Chelyan, West Virginia, in 1938. He played college basketball at West Virginia University, where he led the Mountaineers to the NCAA championship game in 1959. West was drafted by the Lakers with the second overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft.

West quickly became one of the NBA's top players. He was known for his incredible shooting ability, ball-handling skills, and defensive prowess. West was a key member of the Lakers' "Showtime" era in the 1980s, and he helped the team win five NBA championships as a player and executive.

West retired as a player in 1974, but he remained in the NBA as an executive. He served as the Lakers' general manager from 1982 to 2000, and he was responsible for drafting and acquiring some of the team's greatest players, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O'Neal.

In 2000, West left the Lakers and joined the Memphis Grizzlies as their general manager. He helped the Grizzlies become a playoff contender, and he was named the NBA Executive of the Year in 2004.

West retired from the NBA in 2009, but he remained a consultant for the Clippers until his death.

West's Legacy

Jerry West is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players and executives of all time. He was a 14-time NBA All-Star, a 10-time All-NBA Team selection, and a two-time NBA Finals MVP. As an executive, West helped build some of the most successful teams in NBA history.

West's legacy will continue to live on through the many players and teams he has helped. He was a true basketball legend, and he will be deeply missed.