Jerry West, the inspiration for the NBA’s logo, died peacefully at his home at the age of 86, the Los Angeles Clippers announced Wednesday. On of the most Iconic figures in the history of the game, the logo, had more to do with the forming of the league as we know it today than anyone in the history of the game. When they talk about dedicating your life to a game, that was Jerry West.

To start he won nine championships as a player, scout, coach, executive and consultant. He was an architect of the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 10 titles in the 1980s and 2000s and an adviser to the dynastic Golden State Warriors. A legend of West Virginia high school and college basketball and co-captain of the 1960 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team, West made the All-Star Game each season of a 14-year career decorated with 12 All-NBA selections and five All-Defensive appearances, all for the Lakers.

One of the toughest competitors the league had ever seen and lived his life more off his losses than his wins. It was once said;

“He took a loss harder than any player I’ve ever known,” late and legendary Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn once said of West. “He would sit by himself and stare into space. A loss just ripped his guts out.”

He spent his time trying to make the game and the players better and he succeeded in my opinion. The game and all its fans will miss what West gave the game but we are all better off for it as well. RIP Stay with EDF Lifestyle for more great content.