Jerry West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three times in a storied career as a player and an executive, has died aged 86.

The NBA legend died on Wednesday morning, local time, the Los Angeles Clippers said in a statement.

West's silhouette was considered to be the basis of the NBA logo.

West, nicknamed 'Mr. Clutch' for his late-game exploits as a player, went into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1980 and again as a member of the 1960 US Olympic Team in 2010. 

He will be enshrined for a third time later this year as a contributor.

West was "the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him," the Clippers said in announcing his death. 

West's wife, Karen, was by his side when he died, the Clippers said.

He was a 14-time All-Star, a 12-time All-NBA selection, part of the 1972 Lakers team that won a championship, an NBA Finals MVP as part of a losing team in 1969 and was selected as part of the NBA's 75th anniversary team.

West was general manager of eight NBA championship teams with the Los Angeles Lakers, helping build the Showtime dynasty. 

He also worked in the front offices of the Memphis Grizzlies, the Golden State Warriors and the Clippers.

AP