NBA LOGO DIES

Written by: Bafokeng Mothebe

NBA legend Jerry West, has passed away aged 86 in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

At the time of his death, West was working as an advisor the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team, since 2017.

Jerry West, who was affectionally known as ‘The Logo’, played his entire 14-year professional basketball career, for the Los Angeles Lakers, winning one NBA championship in 1972. He went on to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980.  Following the end of his playing career, West became held several executive roles at the Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and the Clippers.

Since 1969, Jerry’s silhouette has been used as the NBA’s logo.

Ahead of Game 3 at the 2024 NBA Finals on Wednesday night, a moment of silence was observed to honour the 14-time NBA All-Star, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

Public figures such as Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, among others in the NBA fraternity, have paid their tributes to the late basketball player and executive.

West died at his home, with his wife Karen, by his side.