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          Sports world pays tribute to Hall of Famer Jerry West

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          Stephen A. reflects on life and legacy of Jerry West (4:12)

          Stephen A. Smith talks about the impact that Basketball Hall of Famer Jerry West had on the game of basketball after West died at the age of 86. (4:12)

          • ESPN
          Jun 12, 2024, 12:22 PM ET

          Basketball Hall of Famer Jerry West died Wednesday morning, the LA Clippers announced. He was 86 years old.

          A 14-time All-Star and champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, West's silhouette is considered the basis for the NBA logo. He was the third player to reach 25,000 points in NBA history and has the most career points in the NBA Finals, according to ESPN Stats & Information. West reached the Finals nine times with the Lakers, winning in 1972. He was named NBA Finals MVP in 1969, even though Los Angeles lost to the Boston Celtics.

          After his playing career, West found success as an NBA executive. He had a key role in the Showtime Lakers of the 1980s. West signed Shaquille O'Neal and orchestrated the Kobe Bryant trade in 1996, setting up a new dynasty in Los Angeles. He also worked in the front offices of the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors, and took on an advisory position with the Clippers in 2017.

          The sports world paid tribute to West on social media Wednesday.

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