What Happened to Jerry Alan West?

Jerry Alan West, a towering figure in the world of basketball, passed away on June 12, 2024, at the age of 86. His death was announced by the Los Angeles Clippers, where he had served as a consultant for seven years. West had a long history of health issues, including battling atrial fibrillation for over 30 years, which contributed to his passing.

West's career was marked by extraordinary success both on and off the court. As a player for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1960 to 1974, he was a 14-time NBA All-Star and led the Lakers to their first championship in Los Angeles in 1972. He remains the only player in NBA history to win the NBA Finals MVP award while playing for the losing team, an honor he received in 1969. His silhouette is famously the basis for the iconic NBA logo, earning him the nickname "The Logo."

Following his playing career, West transitioned into coaching, leading the Lakers for three seasons from 1976 to 1979. His true executive genius, however, became evident when he took on the role of general manager for the Lakers in 1982. He was instrumental in building the legendary "Showtime" dynasty of the 1980s, which secured five NBA titles. Later, he orchestrated the acquisitions of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, laying the foundation for another Lakers dynasty in the early 2000s. His acumen earned him the NBA Executive of the Year award in 1995.

West's impact extended beyond Los Angeles. He served as general manager for the Memphis Grizzlies from 2002 to 2007, transforming the struggling franchise into a playoff contender and earning his second NBA Executive of the Year award in 2004. From 2011 to 2017, he was an executive board member for the Golden State Warriors, playing a crucial role in their two NBA championships in 2015 and 2017, notably advocating strongly against trading Klay Thompson. His final executive role was as a consultant for the Los Angeles Clippers from 2017 until his death, where he was pivotal in the blockbuster acquisitions of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

In recognition of his immense contributions to the sport, West was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019. Posthumously, his legacy continues to be honored. In October 2024, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for a record third time as a contributor, acknowledging his profound influence as an executive and consultant. As of April 18, 2026, a new documentary titled "Jerry West: The Logo," which delves into his professional triumphs and personal struggles with depression, premiered on Prime Video on April 16, 2026. The Los Angeles Clippers are also honoring him during the current season with an empty seat and a court decal bearing his initials at their new arena.