Hall of Famer Jerry West passed away at age 86 this morning and we remember one of the most iconic figures in the history of basketball. West’s career as a player and executive can be summed up into one word: greatness. He was a true icon of the sport which is why so many legends have come out to pay homage to the NBA’s logo. With a Hall of Fame basketball career which includes countless achievements including an NBA title to eight titles as an executive. To remember how great Jerry West was to basketball, we remember the greatest parts of his career as a true genius of the sport.
- 1. Winning His First NBA Championship
- 2. One Of The Greatest Lakers Ever As “Mr. Clutch”
- 3. Incredible NBA Accomplishments
- 4. Acquiring Kobe Bryant, Arguably The Greatest Laker Ever
- 5. Boosting Shaquille O’Neal To Monumentous Heights
- 6. Creating “Showtime” Led By Magic Johnson And Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- 7. Advisory Role With Dynasty Golden State Warriors
- 8. Shockingly Pairing Kawhi Leonard And Paul George With The Clippers
- 9. Executive Of The Year With Memphis Grizzlies
- 10. Becoming The NBA’s Logo
1. Winning His First NBA Championship
Jerry West’s perseverance and dedication were finally rewarded in 1972 when he won his first and only NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. After enduring heartbreak in eight previous Finals appearances, West’s determination culminated in a season where everything fell into place.
The Lakers, powered by a historic 33-game winning streak, finished with a league-best 69-13 record. In the Finals, they faced the New York Knicks, and West played a pivotal role, averaging 19.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game in the series, despite playing through a hamstring injury.
This championship not only solidified West’s legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history but also provided a sense of closure to a career marked by near-misses. His Finals MVP in 1969, awarded despite being on the losing team, had already demonstrated his exceptional talent and competitive spirit. The 1972 championship was the crowning achievement of a career that epitomized resilience and excellence.
2. One Of The Greatest Lakers Ever As “Mr. Clutch”
Jerry West earned the moniker “Mr. Clutch” for his uncanny ability to perform under pressure, particularly in the most critical moments of games. Over his 14-season career with the Lakers, West amassed numerous accolades, including 14 All-Star selections, 10 All-NBA First Team honors (12 total All-NBA selections), and five All-Defensive First Team selections. His scoring prowess was evident as he averaged 27.0 points per game for his career (8th all-time), highlighted by his career-high 40.6 points per game in the 1965 playoffs and his scoring title in 1970 (31.2).
West’s impact on the game went beyond his scoring. He was a masterful playmaker and a tenacious defender, leading the league in assists in 1972 (9.7) and consistently ranking among the top in steals after the stat was officially recorded. His 25,192 career points stood as a Lakers record until Kobe Bryant surpassed it in 2010, underscoring his long-lasting impact on the franchise as his total ranks 25th all-time.
In 1980, West was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to his exceptional career. His jersey number 44 was retired by the Lakers, hanging in the rafters of the Staples Center as a permanent reminder of his contributions to the team. West’s legacy as one of the greatest Lakers ever is immortalized in both his nickname and his enduring influence on the game.
3. Incredible NBA Accomplishments
Jerry West holds several significant NBA records that highlight his extraordinary career. Most notably, he remains the only player in NBA history to be named Finals MVP (1969) despite being on the losing team, a testament to his dominant performances in high-pressure situations. Against the Boston Celtics, West recorded 37.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game on 49.0% from the field but was unable to bring the title home in Game 7 despite dropping 42 points.
Throughout his career, West scored 40 or more points in 10 NBA Finals games, first ahead of legends such as LeBron James (8) and Michael Jordan (6), showcasing his ability to elevate his game when it mattered most. West’s career-high in a single game is 63 points, achieved on January 17, 1962, against the New York Knicks, a remarkable feat that underscored his scoring ability. He also led the NBA in scoring during the 1969-70 season with an average of 31.2 points per game and led the league in assists in the 1971-72 season with 9.7 assists per game, demonstrating his offensive dominance.
Beyond individual records, West’s career achievements include over 25,000 points, making him one of the top scorers in NBA history at the time of his retirement. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game—scoring, playmaking, and defending—cemented his status as one of the most well-rounded and impactful players the league has ever seen.
4. Acquiring Kobe Bryant, Arguably The Greatest Laker Ever
Jerry West’s transition from player to executive was marked by a series of brilliant moves that reshaped the Lakers’ future, none more significant than acquiring Kobe Bryant. In 1996, West orchestrated a draft-day trade with the Charlotte Hornets, sending veteran center Vlade Divac in exchange for the No. 13 overall pick, which the Hornets used to select Bryant. This bold move was initially met with skepticism, but West’s vision and belief in the young high school phenom proved prophetic.
Bryant quickly developed into one of the most electrifying and dominant players in NBA history, leading the Lakers to five NBA Championships and winning two Finals MVP awards. West’s foresight in recognizing Bryant’s potential and his ability to navigate the complex dynamics of the trade were instrumental in securing one of the greatest talents the game has ever seen.
The acquisition of Bryant not only reinvigorated the Lakers franchise but also solidified West’s legacy as a masterful executive. Bryant’s career achievements, including 18 All-Star selections, 15 All-NBA Team honors, and his standing as the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer and arguably greatest player, are a testament to West’s unparalleled acumen in talent evaluation and team building.
5. Boosting Shaquille O’Neal To Monumentous Heights
Jerry West’s tenure as an executive for the Lakers included another monumental decision: signing Shaquille O’Neal in 1996. West recognized that pairing a dominant big man like O’Neal with the budding talent of Kobe Bryant would create a formidable duo capable of leading the Lakers to multiple championships. O’Neal, already an established star, joined the Lakers and elevated his game to new heights under West’s vision.
O’Neal’s impact was immediate and profound. He won three consecutive Finals MVP awards from 2000 to 2002, leading the Lakers to a three-peat and solidifying their status as the team of the early 2000s. Under West’s guidance, O’Neal became the most dominant force in the NBA, utilizing his size, strength, and skill to overpower opponents and change the landscape of the league.
West’s strategic acquisition of O’Neal not only brought championships to the Lakers but also revitalized the franchise, creating a new era of success. The combination of O’Neal’s dominance and Bryant’s scoring prowess established a dynasty that is remembered as one of the greatest in NBA history, highlighting West’s exceptional ability to build championship teams.
6. Creating “Showtime” Led By Magic Johnson And Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOMDi8dMjwI
Jerry West’s executive brilliance was further showcased in the late 1970s and 1980s when he played a crucial role in creating the “Showtime” era of the Lakers. Working as a scout, West was instrumental in drafting Magic Johnson as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1979 NBA Draft, recognizing Johnson’s unique blend of size, skill, and charisma. Pairing Magic with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whom the Lakers had acquired in 1975, West laid the foundation for one of the most exciting and successful periods in NBA history.
Under West’s guidance, the Lakers won five championships in the 1980s, capturing the imagination of fans with their fast-paced, high-scoring style of play. Magic’s playmaking and leadership, combined with Kareem’s scoring and defensive prowess, created a dynamic duo that dominated the league. The “Showtime” Lakers not only won five titles but also revolutionized the game, making it more entertaining and marketable.
West’s ability to assemble a roster that complemented Magic and Kareem, including key players like James Worthy, Michael Cooper, and Byron Scott, was critical to the team’s success. His vision and understanding of the game helped create a dynasty that is still celebrated for its innovation and excellence, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest basketball minds in history.
7. Advisory Role With Dynasty Golden State Warriors
Jerry West’s basketball acumen continued to influence the NBA well into the 2010s through his advisory role with the Golden State Warriors. Joining the franchise in 2011, West provided critical guidance and insight that helped transform the Warriors into a modern dynasty. His influence was pivotal in key decisions, such as drafting Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, and the strategic hiring of head coach Steve Kerr in 2014.
Under West’s advisement, the Warriors adopted a revolutionary style of play centered around three-point shooting, ball movement, and defensive versatility. This approach led to four NBA Championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, and the establishment of one of the most dominant teams in NBA history. West’s strategic mindset and experience were invaluable in shaping the Warriors’ roster and organizational culture.
8. Shockingly Pairing Kawhi Leonard And Paul George With The Clippers
In 2019, Jerry West once again demonstrated his unparalleled executive prowess by orchestrating the blockbuster acquisitions of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George for the Los Angeles Clippers. As a consultant for the Clippers, West played a crucial role in convincing Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, to join the team in free agency. To secure Leonard’s commitment, West facilitated the trade for George, sending Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round picks, and two first-round pick swaps to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
This bold move instantly transformed the Clippers into championship contenders and signaled a new era for the franchise. Leonard and George, both elite two-way players, provided the Clippers with a formidable duo capable of competing at the highest level. The Clippers were able to reach the Western Conference Finals in 2021 due to their core playing a major role.
The pairing of Leonard and George revitalized the Clippers, shifting the balance of power in the Western Conference and heightening the team’s profile. Although injuries and other challenges have impacted their quest for a championship, the acquisitions reaffirmed West’s reputation for making bold, transformative moves that position teams for success. His role in this landmark moment for the Clippers highlighted his enduring impact on the NBA and his knack for reshaping franchises.
9. Executive Of The Year With Memphis Grizzlies
Jerry West’s executive career took another significant turn when he joined the Memphis Grizzlies as their general manager in 2002. Under his leadership, the Grizzlies transitioned from perennial cellar-dwellers to a competitive playoff team. One of West’s key moves was drafting Pau Gasol, who would become the franchise’s first star and Rookie of the Year in 2002 before hiring Hubie Brown which led to the team’s first 50-win season in the 2004 season. Brown was named Coach of the Year.
West also ended up winning the NBA Executive of the Year award in 2004. This recognition was a testament to his ability to transform a struggling franchise through astute draft picks, trades, hirings, and player development. His work in Memphis highlighted his versatility and adaptability as an executive, proving that his basketball intellect could translate to success across different organizations.
10. Becoming The NBA’s Logo
One of the most enduring and iconic symbols in sports, the NBA’s logo, features the silhouette of Jerry West. Created in 1969 by designer Alan Siegel, the logo was inspired by a photograph of West in action, capturing his grace and skill on the court. Although the NBA has never officially confirmed the identity of the player in the logo, it is widely acknowledged to be West, an honor that reflects his status as a quintessential representation of the league.
The logo has become synonymous with the NBA, embodying the sport’s elegance, athleticism, and competitive spirit. West’s inclusion in this emblematic design speaks volumes about his influence and legacy as a player. It symbolizes not only his contributions to the game but also his role as a timeless figure in basketball history.
