Donald Trump Awards Jerry West Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Donald Trump presented Lakers legend and NBA executive Jerry West with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Thursday.

"It never ceases to amaze me the places you can go in this world by chasing a bouncing ball," West said during the ceremony at the White House. "I was a dreamer, my family didn't have much."

West, 81, made the All-Star team in each of his 14 NBA seasons and won one NBA championship. He is the only player in league history to win a Finals MVP on a losing team, and his silhouette is used as the NBA logo.

"He made plays that will be remembered forever," Trump said.

Since his retirement, West has become one of the most successful executives in NBA history, winning eight championships. He is currently an executive board member with the Clippers and played a role in L.A. landing Kawhi Leonard and Paul George over the summer.

"I've had many great coaches and teammates I will never forget," West said. "As an executive, I have been just as fortunate."

West is the fifth former NBA player who has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian award given out by the President of the United States. He joins Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bob Cousy. Coaches Dean Smith, Pat Summitt and John Wooden have also received the award.

While sports figures were previously only scarcely honored by presidents, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Trump have each made it a point to emphasize sports. Babe Ruth, Roger Staubach, Allen Page, Tiger Woods and Cousy have also been honored by Trump during his presidency.