SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Jerry West made history Sunday by becoming the first player to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame three times.
This recognition for West, who died in June at age 86, was for his work as a contributor, in large part recognizing the eight championships he helped the Los Angeles Lakers win as an executive.
“Contributor to the game of basketball, that’s you in every way and that will live forever,” West’s son Jonnie said, as Lakers Hall of Famers Magic Johnson and James Worthy and coach Pat Riley sat on the stage near Symphony Hall.
He had already been inducted for his playing career with the Lakers, and then again in 2010 as a member of the 1960 U.S. team that won an Olympic gold medal.
Michael Cooper, another of West’s former Lakers players, was also enshrined Sunday as part of the 13-member class led by Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups.
