PREVIEW

Legendary LA Laker Jerry West Dead at 86. Fox News reports that Hall of Famer Jerry West, the inspiration behind the silhouette in the NBA's logo, has died at the age of 86. "Jerry West, the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86. His wife, Karen, was by his side.", Los Angeles Clippers statement, via Fox News. The legendary Los Angeles Lakers player was a 14-time All-Star. Through his career with the Lakers, West won a championship in 1972 and was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1969 despite the team not winning the title. He ended his career averaging 27 points, 6.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game. Only three other retired players have ever had higher averages: Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor. In playoff games, West averaged 29.1 points per game. Only Jordan retired with a higher average. Two years after retiring in 1974, West became the Lakers' head coach before moving on to the scouting department in 1979. Finally, West became general manager of the team during the 1982-1983 season. In 2019, West was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-President Donald Trump. Fox News reports that West's legacy in the NBA, both on the court and in the front office, will be remembered forever. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT