Basketball legend Jerry West, who played 14 years in the National Basketball Association (NBA) all for the Los Angeles Lakers, has died, the NBA announced in a statement on Wednesday.

“Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years. 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,” the statement said.

It added, “He was the league’s first Finals MVP and made rising to the occasion his signature quality, earning him the nickname ‘Mr. Clutch’.”

He was 86.

West played for the Lakers from 1960 until his retirement in 1974, winning the 1972 NBA championship with the franchise. He then had a short stint as a coach with the team between 1976 and 1979.

During his playing career, he was named the NBA Finals MVP on time in 1969 and the NBA All-Star team 14 times between 1961 and 1974. He also served as an executive of the Lakers, winning eight NBA championships between 1980 and 2017.

“Jerry’s four decades with the Lakers also included a successful stint as a head coach and a remarkable run in the front office that cemented his reputation as one of the greatest executives in sports history,” the statement noted.

“He helped build eight championship teams during his tenure in the NBA- a legacy of achievement that mirrors his on-court excellence. And he will be enshrined this October into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor, becoming the first person ever inducted as both a player and a contributor.”

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said, “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.”