LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS, STEVE BALLMER AND KAWHI LEONARD HANDED BRUTAL PUNISHMENT AS NBA INVESTIGATION ENDS

The Los Angeles Clippers have been stripped of five first-round draft picks and fined $30million for breaching salary cap circumvention rules.

Additionally, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has been banned from all NBA and team activities for a year and player Kawhi Leonard has been ordered to pay the league $700,000.

The Clippers have had the book thrown at them by the NBACredit: Getty

The punishments come following the conclusion of an investigation that found the Clippers got around salary cap rules to sign Leonard as a free agent back in 2019.

NBA statement

An official release from the NBA read: "The NBA announced today that the LA Clippers and Kawhi Leonard have been penalized for violating the salary cap circumvention rules contained in the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).

"This determination was based upon information developed through an independent investigation conducted by the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and Katz.

"The investigation found a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations by the Clippers organization, a prior offender of the salary cap circumvention rules. As described in a summary report prepared by Wachtell Lipton, available here, the Clippers broke the rules by:

"Affirmatively initiating off-court income opportunities between Mr. Leonard and four companies doing business with the team: Aspiration Partners, Boingo Wireless, Daktronics, and Lockton Insurance;

"Facilitating endorsement agreements between these companies and Mr. Leonard;

"Inducing the companies to enter into these agreements by offering them business from the team;

"Paying personal expenses on behalf of Mr. Leonard and his representatives; and

"Failing to report improper solicitations for off-court income opportunities made on Mr. Leonard’s behalf through his then-business manager, Dennis Robertson.

"Mr. Leonard, through the conduct of Mr. Robertson on his behalf, violated the circumvention rules by pressuring the Clippers to assist him in obtaining off-court income opportunities, successfully obtaining those opportunities, and failing to reimburse payments by the Clippers for personal expenses.

Ballmer must cough up an eye-watering $30mCredit: Getty

"Based on this misconduct, the NBA has imposed the following penalties:

"The Clippers shall forfeit five first-round draft picks, one in each of the 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, and 2033 NBA Drafts.

"The Clippers are fined $30 million.

"Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is suspended from all league and team activities for one year for knowingly seeking to help Mr. Leonard obtain off-court income opportunities, for approving a business deal that he knew was a precondition for Aspiration to enter into an endorsement agreement with Mr. Leonard, and for his failure to create conditions under which his organization abided by the NBA’s circumvention rules.

"Clippers President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker is suspended without pay for one year for being primarily and directly culpable for the impermissible endorsement arrangements and for providing false and misleading statements to investigators.

"Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank is suspended without pay for six months for his involvement with the impermissible endorsement arrangements and for approving impermissible expenses incurred by Mr. Leonard and his family.

Leonard, meanwhile, has been hit with a six-figure fineCredit: Getty

"The Clippers organization and personnel are subject to a compliance and monitoring program overseen by the league office for a period of five years.

"In connection with his violations, Mr. Leonard is required to pay the league $700,000.

"Mr. Robertson is banned from conducting business or otherwise engaging with NBA teams and their affiliates on behalf of or with respect to any player, employee, or other league or team personnel for a period of five years."

It was also revealed that the NBA and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) made an agreement confirming the penalties.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said: “The NBA’s collectively bargained system for determining player compensation is a fundamental component of the basketball competition that the league oversees for the benefit of the teams and players and ultimately the fans.

"I am deeply disappointed by the flagrant violations of our rules and by the Clippers’ institutional and leadership failures that led to this misconduct. The severity of the penalties reflects the seriousness of the violations."

- Tom Hancock

BREAKING: KAWHI LEOPARD TRADE WON'T COMPLETE UNTIL INVESTIGATION IS IVER

 

THE 10 GREATEST SAN ANTONIO SPURS OF ALL-TIME

 

KAWHI SCORE 15 STRAIGHT | WORLD VS. USA STRIPES | NBA ALL-STAR 2026

 

THE 2026 NBA ALL-SNUB TEAM

From Paolo Banchero to Michael Porter Jr., here’s the list of almost NBA All-Stars

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (left) and guard James Harden did not make the NBA All-Star team despite the Clippers hosting the game at Intuit Dome this season. Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images

The Los Angeles Clippers will be hosting the 2026 NBA All-Star Game with no representatives playing.

The NBA announced its All-Star reserves on Sunday for the Feb. 15 game played at the Clippers home arena — the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. But despite having great statistical seasons and success of late, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard didn’t make the list. Meanwhile, the crosstown Los Angeles Lakers will have two-All Stars in LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

The NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles will feature a new “U.S. vs. World” format. Two teams of U.S. players and one team of international players will compete in four 12-minute games, with the top two teams advancing to a championship game. The reserves for both conferences, as selected by the respective conference coaches, were revealed Sunday.

Once again, Andscape presents its annual NBA All-Snub team, our squad of the most deserving players who didn’t make the cut.

Paolo Banchero, forward, Orlando Magic

FERNANDO MEDINA/NBAE VIA GETTY IMAGES.
Paolo Banchero (right) missed out on his second All-Star appearance.

Banchero is in the Top 25 in the NBA in points and rebounds per game while also averaging 4.9 assists entering Sunday. Those stats weren’t enough to be selected to the All-Star team for the second time. Perhaps Orlando’s 25-22 record and Banchero’s early games missed to injury played a role.

Desmond Bane, guard, Orlando Magic

Desmond Bane shoots against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 26 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland. DAVID LIAM KYLE/NBAE VIA GETTY IMAGES

Bane has been a great addition for the Magic, averaging 19.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game this season. The snub, however, keeps Bane from making his first-ever All-Star appearance. Orlando’s far-from-stellar record probably had a role in the snub as well.

Joel Embiid, center, Philadelphia 76ers

Injurie have limited Joel Embiid (right) to just 28 games this season. MITCHELL LEFF/GETTY IMAGES

Embiid is averaging 26.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game this season. But what was likely held against Embiid was injuries limiting him to 28 games. It’s the second straight season that the seven-time NBA All-Star missed the All-Star team.

James Harden, guard, Los Angeles Clippers

James Harden missed the All-Star team for the fifth time in six seasons. ALEX GOODLETT/GETTY IMAGES

Harden entered Sunday ranked 17th in NBA in scoring at 25.4 points per game, along with 8.1 assists and 3.1 3-pointers made per game. The Los Angeles native, however, will miss being able to represent the Clippers at home. The 11-time NBA All-Star has failed to be named an All-Star in five of the past six seasons.

Brandon Ingram, forward, Toronto Raptors

Brandon Ingram (left) didn’t get to join teammate Scottie Barnes on the All-Star team this season. JOSHUA GATELEY/GETTY IMAGES

Ingram planned on bringing his rap star girlfriend GloRilla with him to Los Angeles had he been named an NBA All-Star for the second time. But after being snubbed, the celebrity couple will likely be heading somewhere else for vacation during the NBA All-Star break.

Ingram is averaging a team-best 21.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game for the Raptors this season. The Raptors also entered Sunday with tied for the Eastern Conference’s fourth-best record at 29-21. Even so, the East’s coaches decided that the Raptors only deserved one All-Star in forward Scottie Barnes.

Kawhi Leonard, forward, Los Angeles Clippers

Kawhi Leonard (left) is seventh in the NBA in scoring. LUIZA MORAES/GETTY IMAGES

Leonard has had a rebirth this season, averaging a Clippers-best and career high 27.7 points per game entering Sunday which ranked seventh in the NBA (Leonard also leads the NBA in steals per game and free-throw percentage). The six-time NBA All-Star has failed to be named an All-Star in four of the past five seasons. While the Clippers’ record didn’t help his cause, his stellar play was certainly snubbed by the coaches.

Lauri Markkanen, forward, Utah Jazz

Lauri Markkanen (left) missed out making the NBA All-Star World team. DAVID LIAM KYLE/NBAE VIA GETTY IMAGES

Markkanen entered Sunday ninth in the NBA in scoring, averaging 27.4 points per game. The Finland native could have been a great addition for the inaugural NBA All-Star World team. The 2023 NBA All-Star has not made the All-Star team in three straight seasons.

Michael Porter Jr., forward, Brooklyn Nets

Michael Porter Jr. is averaging career bests in points, rebounds and assists per game. AARON ONTIVEROZ/THE DENVER POST

Porter Jr. is averaging career bests of 25.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game in his first season with the Nets. The Nets, however, didn’t help the newcomer’s cause with the third-worst record in the East. The Nets haven’t had an All-Star since Kevin Durant in 2022.

- Marc J. Spears

KAHWI LEONARD'S COURT IN RWANDA

 

TEAM USA BASKETBALL: THE BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EXHIBITION WIN OVER CANADA

ESPN

 Ahead of its quest for a fifth straight Olympic gold medal, Team USA's men's basketball team began its exhibition schedule Wednesday night with an 86-72 win over Canada in Las Vegas.

On the day guard Derrick White replaced forward Kawhi Leonard on the 12-man roster, Team USA hit the court against a talented Canada team projected to medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Following a slow start -- including missing its first six shots -- the Americans clicked in the second quarter as the Canadians went cold from the field. Team USA outscored Canada 16-2 in the paint in the second and carried a 41-33 lead into half.

Despite a run from Canada out of halftime, the U.S. extended its lead throughout the end of the third quarter and the fourth. Four Americans finished in double-digit scoring with Anthony Edwards leading the way with 13 points. Anthony Davis recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. RJ Barrett led Team Canada with 12 points.

Team USA will now turn its attention to Australia on Monday when the teams meet in an exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

Before then, what were the biggest takeaways from the win over Canada?

1. Team USA's performance against Canada was _____.

Tim Bontemps: Very encouraging. Team USA did not play well at all -- it committed 17 turnovers and generally looked disjointed, particularly on the offensive side. And yet, Team USA cruised to a double-digit victory over one of its two biggest challengers for the gold medal next month (the other being France). On top of all that, Joel Embiid -- who is still ramping back up after playing through a knee injury in the NBA playoffs -- looked like he had a healthy amount of rust to knock off. This game only reinforces how clearly Team USA is favored over the rest of the field in Paris.

Bobby Marks: A good test. Nothing against Cooper Flagg and the select team, but playing in front of a sellout crowd against a Canadian team featuring Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dillon Brooks was a good test. Team USA did treat the game like an All-Star Sunday, but it seemed like a preview of what should be expected in France.

Dave McMenamin: A blueprint to follow for when the games matter. So long as the U.S. defends and gets out in transition, the fact that this roster had so little time to coalesce ahead of the Olympics shouldn't matter -- it held Canada to 33.7% shooting while racking up 11 steals and 9 blocked shots. By creating so many running opportunities, shot distribution wasn't an issue -- all 10 players who got in took at least four shots, and no player attempted more than 10.

Ohm Youngmisuk: Better than expected. Canada is a formidable opponent with Gilgeous-Alexander and Murray. It would have totally been expected and understandable if Team USA came out rusty after convening a few days before, but it flashed plenty of potential -- offense, defense, size and versatility. We didn't get to see an opponent test Team USA inside because of Canada's lack of size. And it will be interesting to see how the U.S. adjusts when defenses take Stephen Curry's outside shooting away and some of its stars fall into foul trouble (like Embiid fouling out late in the fourth quarter). But for the first outing, Team USA should be pleased.

2. Anthony Edwards' claim as Team USA's No. 1 option was _____.

Bontemps: Something no one with Team USA was concerned with nor took seriously. Edwards said he was happy to come off the bench during that same media session. He looked terrific Wednesday playing as part of a second unit featuring Bam Adebayo, Anthony Davis, Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum that seemed like it would be a real asset if coach Steve Kerr sticks with it. Edwards already is well known for making bombastic comments, and this was just another one. As Adebayo said Sunday, "Everyone on this team is a No. 1 option."

Marks: Not surprising. Anytime Edwards steps on the court there is a strong belief that he is the best player. The same confidence and swagger he had in the playoff series wins over the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets was on full display in the first half. Team USA came out of the gates disorganized, and it was Edwards' energy along with the second unit that erased an 11-1 start by Canada. Team USA has at least five No. 1 options on this roster, and whether Edwards is starting or coming off the bench, he should be considered one of them.

McMenamin: Missing context. Before Edwards made the declaration, he was asked about the role change in being the Wolves' go-to guy and then likely coming off the bench for Team USA. His point was that just because he might have a substitute spot in the rotation, that doesn't mean it will come with the mindset of demotion. So long as he is on the floor -- no matter the teammates, opponent or location -- Edwards will play with supreme confidence.

Youngmisuk: Him expressing confidence in his skills. Edwards might be the most athletic player on Team USA, and he will almost certainly provide the most electric highlights of the Olympics. He will get shots up, but when games get tight and Team USA needs scoring, especially outside scoring, I still believe Curry will be Kerr's go-to option. The U.S. will need Curry's outside shooting in FIBA-style basketball, and Embiid's ability to be a mismatch also could be a primary option.

3. How will Kawhi Leonard's absence impact Team USA in Paris?

Bontemps: This is nothing against Leonard, one of the best two-way wings of his generation, but I don't anticipate it being that big of an issue. That just speaks to the wealth of talent at coach Steve Kerr's disposal. Team USA now doesn't have Leonard -- but it still has Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, LeBron James, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards to play on the wings. And it can play any of its three centers -- Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo -- together. Plus, Derrick White is an elite perimeter defender and an excellent off-ball offensive player. In short? This team should be just fine.

Marks: I was surprised Leonard was chosen considering the knee issues he has incurred over his career, including a season-ending right knee injury in the LA Clippers' first-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Leonard is an MVP candidate when healthy, but it is hard to see what impact he would have had, especially if there were a minutes restriction in place. The positive is that Grant Hill, managing director for Team USA, quickly found a replacement.

McMenamin: As we learned through Kobe Bryant's impact on the Redeem Team, there's power in a superstar at that level pouring all of his effort into being a defensive stopper and that being contagious throughout the team. Leonard -- one of the fiercest defenders the league has ever seen -- could have filled that role for this team had he been healthy. So, yes, it's a loss. But the choice to replace him with White was pitch perfect. White might not have the stature of a two-time Finals MVP like Leonard, but based on what we've seen from White in Boston, he'll have no problem making defense his top priority.

Youngmisuk: When Leonard is healthy, he is one of the best two-way players in the world. His ability to score from the midrange over any defender, shoot the 3 and then be a lockdown defender with size would have been invaluable. The two-time NBA Finals MVP was never going to be at his peak considering the inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee. White's defense on smaller and quick guards and ability to switch will help ease the loss of Leonard, while helping Jrue Holiday, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards and Bam Adebayo as the team's best defenders. There are going to be games when Team USA needs someone who can stop penetration and cool down a hot opponent while also hitting 3s, though.

4. What should be the starting lineup for Team USA?

Bontemps: Four of the five spots in Wednesday's opener should stay that way for the duration: Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, LeBron James and Joel Embiid. Curry, James and Embiid are the three locks to start; Holiday, arguably the best perimeter defender on the planet, can then guard the opposition's top playmaker while being a fantastic connector offensively. As for the fifth spot, my guess is it's Kevin Durant (currently hurt with a calf injury) who eventually gets the nod over Jayson Tatum (who arrived at camp late).

Marks: I am not going to overreact and say Steve Kerr should shake up the lineup just because of the slow start against Canada. I am sticking with four of Wednesday's starting five (Holiday, Curry, James and Embiid) and replacing Devin Booker with Anthony Edwards. If Team USA does face France in the medal round, Kerr can counter Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert with Embiid and Anthony Davis.

McMenamin: Start with James, Curry and Durant (once he recovers from his calf strain) for obvious reasons. They are the three best players of their generation, and this is their first -- and most likely only -- time teaming up together in the Olympics. Then group them with the two most versatile defenders left on the roster: Holiday in the backcourt and Davis in the frontcourt. Holiday takes the opposing player's principle ball handler; Davis is tasked with patrolling the paint.

Youngmisuk: Holiday, Curry, Tatum, James and Embiid make a lot of sense. Holiday can take on the opposing team's best offensive perimeter threat and help with all the little things, such as offensive rebounding, as well. Curry's outside shooting will be crucial for Team USA's success. Until Durant is able to come back healthy, Tatum should be the starter alongside James. And Embiid can anchor the interior with Davis splitting minutes with him at center off the bench.

- ESPN

USA MAN'S BASKETBALL OLYMPIC TEAM ARRIVES FOR CAMP I LAS VEGAS

 LAS VEGAS (AP) — There’s something that Kobe Bryant once said that has stuck with U.S. men’s Olympic basketball coach Steve Kerr and seems especially important now.

It was about how other nations have made big strides in basketball, how the gap between the rest of the world and the U.S. is closing and how that’s been a great thing for the NBA. And Bryant’s response, paraphrased, was basically, “so what?”

His point: If everyone else is getting better, then the U.S. better find ways to do the same.

“Maybe we’ll show that one to the guys,” Kerr said. “I love that. And it has to be our attitude this summer.”

After months of planning, it’s time for the U.S. Olympic team — one that will go to the Paris Games later this month seeking a fifth consecutive gold medal — to take the floor. The first practice for the squad is Saturday, the start of a four-day training camp before its exhibition opener against Canada on Wednesday.

Players began arriving Thursday in Las Vegas; Stephen Curry was the first to check in for camp, perhaps underscoring how anxious he is for what will be his first Olympics. The 12 players have all known each other for years, but the task of becoming a team starts in earnest Saturday.

“I feel like it starts when it gets there, because that’s when you really see each other eye-to-eye,” said Bam Adebayo, who is seeking his second gold medal after winning one at the Tokyo Games three years ago. “You have those conversations, you have those many conversations within what we’re going through, what we’re trying to do. And that’s when it’s time to really be honest about what we want to do.”

That part is easy: Win gold.

The how-to-do-it part, that’s the key.

Last year brought another humbling World Cup experience for the U.S.; after finishing seventh in 2019, the Americans were fourth at Manila. But the argument — or justification, for lack of a better word — for those stumbles was that the U.S. wasn’t sending the best possible roster to those tournaments. Getting the big names like Kevin Durant and LeBron James for the Olympics, that’s one thing. Getting them for the World Cup and asking them to represent their country in back-to-back summers, that’s something else.

Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards were on that World Cup team last summer and were picked for this Olympic team as well.

“Obviously, last year we didn’t do what we wanted to do,” Haliburton said. “And that was frustrating because any time you get to represent USA Basketball, the expectation is to win. And we weren’t able to do that.”

This team was put together with a very different ending in mind. James is back on the Olympic team for the first time since 2012 and seeking a third gold, Durant is going for what would be a men’s Olympic record fourth basketball gold, and five other players — Adebayo, Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum and Anthony Davis — each have one. The first-time Olympians are Haliburton, Edwards, Curry, Kawhi Leonard and Joel Embiid, someone who the U.S. convinced to play despite a strong push by France for the Philadelphia star to represent the host nation in Paris.

As far as choosing a starting lineup, good luck.

“It’s a good problem to have,” Kerr said. “I’m guessing that all 12 players on this roster will be in the Hall of Fame someday. So, how do you pick five out of 12? The idea is, you find combinations that click, and you find two-way lineups that can be effective at both ends. Our big job in Las Vegas is to find five-man combinations that fit and to just ask all 12 guys to fully commit to the goal of winning a gold medal no matter what it looks like, no matter who’s playing.”

The Americans play their first exhibition against Canada in Las Vegas, then have games at Abu Dhabi (against Australia and Serbia) and London (against South Sudan and Germany) before the Paris Games start. The U.S. opens Olympic play July 28 against Serbia and will also have group games against South Sudan and the winner of Sunday’s qualifier in Puerto Rico — either Mexico, Lithuania, Italy or Puerto Rico.

“We’ve got 39 days or so to get locked in to go get this gold medal, 12 amazing, talented guys ready to come together for one goal,” Curry said when he arrived to check in for camp. “I’m hyped for it all.”

NBA ALL-TIME GREAT JERRY WEST DIES AT AGE 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 at the age of 86, the LA Clippers announced.

West was the third player in NBA history to reach 25,000 points, was an All-Star every year of his career and led the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Finals nine times, winning one title in 1971-72. He was also a 12-time All-NBA selection, an NBA Finals MVP as part of a losing team in 1969 -- the first year that award was given out and still the only time it went to a player on the losing team -- and part of the NBA's 75th anniversary team.

His basketball life bridged generations: West played with Elgin Baylor, whom he called "the most supportive and the greatest player of that era," and Wilt Chamberlain. As a coach and executive, he worked with a who's-who of NBA stars from the past 40 years: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George among them.

"Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "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."

"... I valued my friendship with Jerry and the knowledge he shared with me over many years about basketball and life. On behalf of the NBA, we send our deepest condolences to Jerry's wife, Karen, his family and his many friends in the NBA community."

The NBA is planning a pregame tribute to West before Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.

West was "the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him," the Clippers said in announcing his death, adding that Karen West was by his side when he died.

Following his playing career, West found title success as an NBA executive, building the Showtime Lakers of the 1980s that won five titles in that decade and overseeing the formation of the O'Neal-Bryant tandem. West stayed for just the first title in 2000 as the Lakers went on to three-peat.

"Jerry West is forever a basketball icon," the Lakers said in a statement. "He brought Lakers fans their first championship in Los Angeles in 1972 and was integral to another six titles during his time with us. Our thoughts are with the West family and the many NBA fans who honor his legacy. Jerry West will always be a Lakers legend."

West became an adviser for the Clippers starting in 2017, helping to engineer the breakup of the team's "Lob City" core that led the way to the signing of Leonard and George. The Clippers reached the Western Conference finals for the first time in 2021.

"This is a hard day. I am honored to call Jerry a confidant, an advisor and a friend," Clippers owner Steve Ballmer said in a statement. "Connie, my wife, called him my 'basketball dad.' He was absolutely my basketball sage: wise, loyal and so much fun. If you were in his presence, you felt his competitiveness and his drive. He cared about everything and everyone. From the first day I met Jerry seven years ago, he inspired me with his intellect, honesty and enthusiasm. He never stopped. I spent a lot of time with him, some of the best times of my life. He always lent an ear, and he always had a quip. He always left me laughing. I will miss him."

West also worked in the front offices of the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors, with Warriors co-executive chairman and CEO Joe Lacob saying West was "an incredible and unique individual."

"He did so much for the NBA, the game of basketball and each of the teams he was associated with during his unmatched career, including the Warriors," Lacob said. "Jerry had a profound and immense impact on our franchise and was instrumental in our recent decade of success."

West was a two-time All-American at West Virginia, where he averaged 24.8 points per game and helped the Mountaineers to the 1959 NCAA championship game, being named Final Four Most Outstanding Player despite a loss in the final to Cal. West also teamed with Oscar Robertson to lead the U.S. to a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

All those accomplishments made West one of only three players (along with Magic Johnson and Hakeem Olajuwon) to win a Finals MVP, be named NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player and earn an Olympic gold medal.

Nicknamed "Mr. Clutch" for his late-game exploits as a player, West 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.

West is still the NBA Finals' all-time leader in total points, along with field goals made and attempted as well as free throws made and attempted, but his teams went 1-2 against the New York Knicks and 0-6 against the Boston Celtics.

"Those damn Celtics," he often said.

West also hit one of the most famed shots in Finals history, a 60-footer at the buzzer of Game 3 of the 1970 series between the Knicks and Lakers to force overtime.

Even in the final years of his life, West was considered basketball royalty. He routinely sat courtside at Summer League games in Las Vegas, often watching many games in a day while greeting long lines of players -- LeBron James among them -- who would approach to shake his hand and pay him respect.

"The game transcends many things," West said while attending Summer League last year. "The players change, the style of play may change, but the respect that you learn in this game never changes."

In a pair of social media posts, James honored West as a friend and mentor and he was "already missed."

Michael Jordan said he considered West "a friend and mentor -- like an older brother to me."

"I valued his friendship and knowledge," Jordan said. "I always wished I could have played against him as a competitor, but the more I came to know him, I wish I had been his teammate. I admired his basketball insights and he and I shared many similarities to how we approached the game."

A native of Chelyan, West Virginia, West was known as a tenacious player who was rarely satisfied with his performance. He grew up shooting at a basket nailed to the side of a shed and often shot until his fingers bled. He became the first high school player in state history to score more than 900 points in a season, averaging 32.2 points per game in leading East Bank High to a state title.

Basketball, he would later reveal, was his therapy.

In his memoir, "West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life," West chronicled a lifelong battle with depression. He wrote that his childhood was devoid of love and filled with anger as a result of an abusive father. He often felt worthless, and to combat that, he said he put his energy into playing the game.

"It never ceases to amaze me the places you can go in this world chasing a bouncing ball," West said in 2019, when he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- the nation's highest civilian honor -- by then-President Donald Trump. "My chase began in Chelyan, West Virginia, where I strung a wire basket with no net to the side of a bridge. If your shot didn't go in, the ball rolled down a long bank and you would be chasing it forever. So you better make it.

"I was a dreamer. My family didn't have much, but we had a clear view of the Appalachian Mountains, and I'd sit alone on our front porch and wonder, 'If I ever make it to the top of that mountain, what will I see on the other side?' Well, I did make it to the other side, and my dreams have come true. I've been able to see the sides, thanks to that bouncing ball."

He is 25th on the NBA career scoring list, and while the NBA has never confirmed that West was in fact the model for its logo -- a player dribbling a ball, set against a red-and-blue background -- the league has never said otherwise either.

"While it's never been officially declared that the logo is Jerry West," Silver said in 2021, "it sure looks a lot like him."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

- ESPN News Services

KAWHI LEONARD HITS A GAME WINNER VS. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

PAUL GEORGE (33PTS) & KAWHI LEONARD (30PTS) | COMBINED POINTS 63 🔥

SPURS COACH GREGG POPOVICH CHASTIISES HOME FANS FOR BOOING KAWHI LEONARD AND THE CLIPPERS

AP Photo 

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich grabbed the microphone and chastised the crowd at the Frost Bank Center on Wednesday night, telling fans to stop booing former Spurs All-Star Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers.

“Excuse me for a second,” Popovich said, silencing the crowd late in the first half. “Can we stop all the booing and let these guys play? Have a little class. It’s not who we are. Knock off the booing.”

Leonard had 24 points as the Clippers beat San Antonio 109-102 on Wednesday night, handing the Spurs their 10th straight loss.

“I thought that was an awesome moment, despite the fans booing, I think, even more,” Clippers star Paul George said. “I think that was a hell of a moment, Pop having Kawhi’s back in that situation.”

JAMES HARDEN'S TIEBREAKING 4-POINT PLAY SNAPS CLIPPERS' 6-GAME SKID, BEATS ROCKETS 106-100

AP Photo 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — James Harden hit a tiebreaking 3-pointer while getting fouled with six seconds to play, sending the Los Angeles Clippers to their first victory since his arrival with a 106-100 win over the Houston Rockets on Friday night in the NBA In-Season Tournament.

Harden dramatically drew the foul from Jae'Sean Tate and drilled his vintage 26-footer from atop the key before completing the four-point play to secure the win. The Clippers had lost six games in a row, including their first five since acquiring Harden from Philadelphia.

RUSSELL WESTBROOK ON CLIPPERSTEAMMAYE KAWHI LEONARD

 

WHY THE NBA IS TERRIFIED OF KAWHI LEONARD

KAWHI LEONARD REACTS TO HIS RETURN | CLIPPERS PRESS CONFERENCE

REGGIE JACKSON ON KAWHI LEONARDO RETURN

STEVE BALLMER STRANGLING SOMEONE ON THE SIDELINE AFTER KAWHI DRILLS THE 3😀

LUKA DONCIC ON KAWHI: "HE DESTROYED US" | GAME 6 | CLIPPERS VS. MAVERICKS | NBA PLAYOFFS

KAWHI LEONARD GOES OFF TO LEAD LAC IN GAME 6 ROAD VICTORY! 🖐️