NBA Icon Jerry West Passes Away at 86
Subheadline
Jerry West, the legendary Los Angeles Lakers guard and executive who helped build the "Showtime" era, has passed away at 86.
Early Life and Career
West was born in West Virginia in 1938 and played college basketball at West Virginia University. He was drafted by the Lakers in 1960 and spent his entire 14-year playing career with the team.
As a player, West was a 12-time All-NBA selection, a 14-time All-Star, and led the Lakers to their first NBA championship in 1972.
Executive Career
After retiring as a player, West transitioned into an executive role with the Lakers. He was instrumental in drafting and developing some of the team's greatest players, including Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant.
Under West's leadership, the Lakers won 10 NBA championships, including five in the "Showtime" era of the 1980s. West's innovative style of play and scouting acumen helped revolutionize the game of basketball.
Legacy
Jerry West is considered one of the greatest players and executives in NBA history. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980 and was ranked as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996.
West's contributions to the sport of basketball will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
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