How Did Jerry West Die? What Happened to Jerry West?
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Updated Jun 13, 2024
How Did Jerry West Die?
Jerry West, an NBA legend and former player and executive for the Los Angeles Lakers, passed away at the age of 86. The exact cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed. West was known for his exceptional skills on the basketball court, earning the nickname "Mr. Clutch" for his ability to perform under pressure.
He played a pivotal role in the Lakers' success during the 1960s and 1970s, contributing to their championships and leaving a lasting impact on the sport. Beyond his playing career, West also excelled as an executive, helping to build championship teams and bringing in notable talents like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal to the Lakers. His death marks the end of an era in basketball history, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and determination that will be remembered by fans and players alike.
What Happened to Jerry West?
Jerry West, the iconic NBA figure passed away peacefully at 86. The exact cause of his death hasn't been disclosed. Known as "Mr. Clutch," West won nine championships across various roles in basketball, including as a player, coach, scout, and executive.
Who was Jerry West?
Jerry West was an iconic American basketball player and executive, known for his illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers and his contributions to the NBA. Born on May 28, 1938, in Chelyan, West Virginia, he excelled at East Bank High School and West Virginia University before joining the Lakers in 1960. Renowned as "Mr. Clutch" for his ability to perform under pressure, West earned 14 NBA All-Star selections and won the NBA Finals MVP in 1969. He played a pivotal role in the Lakers' championship successes as a player and later as a coach and general manager, winning a total of eight NBA titles in management roles. West's silhouette became the basis for the NBA logo, symbolizing his enduring impact on basketball. He passed away on June 12, 2024, leaving behind a legacy as a basketball genius and influential figure in the sport's history.
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| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Jerome Alan West |
| Born | May 28, 1938 |
| Birthplace | Chelyan, West Virginia, United States |
| Died | June 12, 2024 |
| Age at Death | 86 years old |
| Professional Team | Los Angeles Lakers (1960–1974) |
| NBA Hall of Fame | Inducted in 1980 |
| Spouse(s) | Martha Jane Kane (m. 1960–1976), Karen West (m. 1978–2024) |
| Parents | Howard Stewart West, Cecil Sue West |
Jerry West Career
Here's a summary of Jerry West's professional basketball career with the Los Angeles Lakers:
Early Career (1960-64):
- Drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers (soon moved to Los Angeles).
- Initially struggled to adapt but quickly became known for his defensive hustle and scoring abilities.
- Formed a potent duo with Elgin Baylor ("Mr. Inside" and "Mr. Outside").
Emergence as a Star (1961-62):
- Earned his first NBA All-Star selection.
- Averaged 30.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.
- Coined "Mr. Clutch" for his ability to score crucial late-game shots.
Continued Success and Rivalry with Celtics (1962-64):
- Led the Lakers to the NBA Finals against the dominant Boston Celtics.
- Despite his efforts, the Lakers lost in 7 games in both 1962 and 1963.
Leadership Role (1964-68):
- Became the Lakers' leading scorer.
- Averaged 31.0 points per game in the 1964-65 season, second only to Wilt Chamberlain.
- Continued to face challenges against the Celtics in the Finals.
Arrival of Chamberlain and Finals Appearances (1968-71):
- Chamberlain joined the Lakers in 1968.
- Reached the NBA Finals multiple times but faced defeats against the Celtics and the New York Knicks.
NBA Championship and Later Years (1971-74):
- Finally won his first NBA Championship in 1972 against the New York Knicks.
- Continued to excel as a player and leader despite injuries.
- Retired in 1974 as one of the greatest Lakers players in franchise history.
Legacy and Post-Playing Career:
- Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980.
- Became a successful basketball executive, contributing to the Lakers' success in the front office.
Jerry West Net Worth
Jerry West, a basketball legend known as "The Logo Man" for his silhouette on the NBA logo, passed away at 86. Despite not winning many NBA championships, he was pivotal in shaping the league's history. His estimated net worth at the time of his passing was around $50 million, accumulated from his career as a player, coach, and executive in the NBA. West did not receive royalties for the iconic NBA logo featuring his likeness, despite being widely recognized as its inspiration
