Jerry West was a three-time NBA Hall of Famer widely considered one of the best to ever play, as well as a successful executive who helped launch the career of iconic pro ballers like Kobe Bryant (1978–2020).
- Died: June 12, 2024 (Who else died on June 12?)
- Details of death: Died in Los Angeles at the age of 86.
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Jerry West’s legacy
Born in Chelyan, West Virginia, Jerry West’s basketball journey began in his hometown, where he was a star performer at East Bank High School and a four-time All-State player. His skills earned him a scholarship to West Virginia University, one of 60 universities that showed him interest. At WVU, West distinguished himself as a formidable opponent. In his junior year, he led the Mountaineers to the NCAA championship game, earning the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award for the Final Four — despite the team’s narrow loss — among many other accolades.
West was the second overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft, picked up by the Minneapolis Lakers, who soon relocated to Los Angeles. He played his entire 14-year NBA career with the team, from 1960 to 1974. Known for his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and skill in tight games, West earned the nickname “Mr. Clutch.” He was a 14-time NBA All-Star and 10-time All-NBA First Team selection, lead the league in scoring in 1970, was the Finals MVP in 1969, and helped lead the Lakers to a championship in 1972.
West finished his career with 25,192 points and 6,238 assists, averaging 27.0 points per game. His jersey number 44 was retired by the Lakers.
Following his retirement, West transitioned into management, serving as the general manager of the Lakers from 1982 to 2000. Under his leadership, the team won five NBA championships in the 1980s, becoming one of the greatest dynasties in the sport. He also had a keen eye for talent, securing draft rights for Kobe Bryant, trading for Shaquille O’Neal, and signing Phil Jackson as coach.
West’s honors over decades are many, including multiple inductions into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, two NBA Executive of the Year awards (1995 and 2004), inclusion among the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players, and countless others. The NBA logo, featuring a silhouette of a player, is said to be modeled after West.
On being the logo of the NBA:
“If that’s me, then so be it. I try my best to be an ambassador for the league, but I try not to even talk about it to be honest with you. I’ve never been notified of that [logo specifically being me], but it’s part of my heritage and the history of my life. I’m very flattered.” — interview with GQ Sports, 2023
Tributes to Jerry West
Full obituary: ESPN
