West was co-captain of the 1960 US men’s basketball team that won the Olympic gold medal.
In 2019 West was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by US president Donald Trump.
West receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump in 2019.Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images
The sharp-shooting West was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1980 and will be honoured again later this year when he is enshrined as a contributor.
“As a player and an executive, his profound impact on the game of basketball is matched only by his character and integrity,” the Basketball Hall of Fame said in a statement.
After his playing career West, whose other nickname was “The Logo”, went on to become one of the NBA’s top executives.
As general manager and executive vice president of the Lakers he built six championship teams, showing a shrewd eye for talent by drafting Magic Johnson before bringing in Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
The Golden State Warriors, where West won two more championships as an administrator, paid tribute to him at their Chase Center home court.Credit: AP
He also had front office stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, the Golden State Warriors – where he won two more titles – and the Clippers, twice being named the NBA’s executive of the year.
News of West’s death triggered an outpouring of tributes on social media from fans and the game’s giants.
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“Will truly miss our convos my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers goes out to your wonderful family! Forever love Jerry! Rest in Paradise my guy!,” posted the Lakers’ LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, on X.
Michael Jordan offered his condolences, issuing an emotional statement through ESPN broadcaster Stephen A Smith.
“I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry’s passing,” Jordan said in a statement. “He was truly a friend and a mentor. Like an older brother to me.
“I valued his friendship and knowledge.
“I always wished I could’ve played against him as a competitor, but the more I came to know him, I wish I had been his teammate.
“He will be forever missed. My condolences to his wife Karen and his sons. Rest in peace, Logo.”
Reuters
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