Jerry West awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

U.S. President Donald Trump awarded Hall of Fame point guard Jerry West with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony on Thursday.

West is the sixth professional athlete to receive the highest American civilian honor from Trump, a list that includes Boston Celtics legend Bob Cousy and 15-time major winner Tiger Woods.

The 81-year-old had a decorated 14-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. West, who earned the nickname "Mr. Clutch," was named an All-Star in each of his seasons and earned All-NBA first-team honors 10 times. He won his lone title with L.A. in 1972 and remains emblazoned on the NBA's logo.

"In the years that followed, he was to become a legend and made plays that will be remembered forever. I know many of them," Trump said during the ceremony, according to CNN's Maegan Vazquez. "Today, the silhouette of Jerry West is displayed on every uniform, court, and basketball in the league."

West became head coach of the Lakers following his playing days before transitioning into the front office. He's a two-time Executive of the Year and has added eight more championship rings in various roles.

West joined the Los Angeles Clippers in June 2017 as an executive board member and continues to hold that role.

"It never ceases to amaze me the places you can go in this world chasing a basketball," West said, according to The Hill's Morgan Chalfant. "I was a dreamer, my family didn’t have much."