WASHINGTON, SEPTEMBER 6 - Jerry West, one of the legends of US basketball, received the medal of freedom, the highest decoration in the United States, together with the gold medal of Congress today in the White House by Donald Trump.
The tycoon recalled the player's career and the history of his nickname, Mr. Clutch (mister pressure, for his coldness and ability to score important points in the decisive situations of the races), calling him "an extraordinary American".
West, now 81, has played 14 seasons in the NBA, all with the Los Angeles Lakers, helping to reach nine finals and being part of the All-Star team every year. He won a 'ring' in 1972 and gold at the Rome Olympics in 1960. He was later a great coach and a great general manager, again for the Lakers, bringing champions like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O ' Neal.
"I swear my name will seem like a typo in this list," said West humbly, referring to the list of winners.