2012-10-01T120000Z_852676695_GM1E8A206BB01_RTRMADP_3_ORACLE

NBA great Jerry West dies at 86

Jerry West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three times in a storied career as a player and executive and whose silhouette is considered to be the basis of the NBA logo, died Wednesday morning, the Los Angeles Clippers announced.

He was 86.

READ MORE: Bill Walton, Hall of Fame player who became a star broadcaster, dies at 71

West, nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his late-game exploits as a player, went into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1980 and again as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic Team in 2010. He will be enshrined for a third time later this year as a contributor.

Boston Celtics v Los Angeles Lakers

Jerry West #44 of the Los Angeles Lakers jumps and blocks a shot from the Boston Celtics circa the 1960s during a game. Photo by Focus on Sport via Getty Images

West was “the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him,” the Clippers said in announcing his death. West’s wife, Karen, was by his side when he died, the Clippers said.

READ MORE: Controversial coaching legend Bob Knight dies at 83

He was a 14-time All-Star, a 12-time All-NBA selection, part of the 1972 Lakers team that won a championship, an NBA Finals MVP as part of a losing team in 1969 and was selected as part of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.

NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers

The retired jerseys of Los Angeles Lakers players including Jerry West (44) on display at Staples Center. Photo by Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

West was general manager of eight NBA championship teams with the Los Angeles Lakers, helping build the “Showtime” dynasty. He also worked in the front offices of the Memphis Grizzlies, the Golden State Warriors and the Clippers.

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