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Victor Petkov
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Jerry West, who inspired NBA logo, dies aged 86
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He was a 14-time NBA All-Star and the only Finals MVP from a losing team

Jerry West, one of the most iconic figures in basketball history and the inspiration behind the legendary NBA logo, has passed away at the age of 86. The Los Angeles Clippers, where he was an executive, confirmed  the news, noting he died peacefully with his wife Karen by his side.

West’s influence on basketball spans over six decades, marked by his remarkable career both on and off the court. As a player, he was a 14-time NBA All-Star and led the Los Angeles Lakers to nine NBA Finals, securing one championship. His legacy as a great performer earned him the nickname “Mr. Clutch,” and he remains the only player in NBA history to be named Finals MVP while playing for the losing team in 1969.

Selected as the second overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft by the Minneapolis Lakers, who soon after relocated to Los Angeles, West quickly established himself as a prolific scorer and fierce competitor. He became the third player in NBA history to score 25,000 points and retired holding several postseason scoring records, including the highest average in a playoff series.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised West as a “basketball genius” and highlighted his contributions to the game: “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.”