NBA logo inspiration, most beloved Laker, Jerry West dies at 86

Three-time Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team and 75th Anniversary All-Time Team member Jerry West died at 86, the Los Angeles Clippers announced on Wednesday.

"Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "He distinguished himself not only as an NBA champion and an All-Star in all 14 of his playing seasons, but also as a consummate competitor who embraced the biggest moments."

West was an executive with the Clippers before his death, but spent his entire playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers, carving out a legacy as one of the greatest guards in league history. He became the only NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) from a losing team in 1969, reached the Finals nine times and won the title in 1972.

"Jerry West is forever a basketball icon," the Lakers said in a statement. "He brought Lakers fans their first championship in Los Angeles in 1972 and was integral to another six titles during his time with us. Our thoughts are with the West family and the many NBA fans who honor his legacy. Jerry West will always be a Lakers legend."

Of all the honors West earned in his career, one of the most significant is that he is considered to be the basis of the NBA's logo.

"It was dynamic, it was vertical, it captured the essence of the game," said Alan Siegel, who created the logo in 1969.

West's epic performances and achievements on the basketball court aside, he was also one of the most popular players among his peers.

"I love you, Jerry. I just hope you get a championship. You deserve it as much as anyone who has ever played this game," Boston Celtics legend John Havlicek told West after his team edged the Lakers in seven games in the 1969 NBA Finals.

"The greatest honor a man can have is the respect and friendship of his peers. You have that more than any man I know … If I could have one wish granted, it would be that you would always be happy," Celtics center and 11-time NBA champion Bill Russell said at Jerry West Night held by the Lakers in 1971.

After retiring as a player in 1974, West coached the Lakers from 1976-79, compiling a regular season record of 145-101 but failing to win a title. He then moved into the from office as an executive and helped build the "Showtime Lakers" who claimed five championships over the next nine years.

West also laid the foundation for the Lakers' run of five titles in 11 seasons between 2000 and 2010. He later held front office and consulting roles with the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Clippers.