On June 12, 2024, Los Angeles Lakers legend Jerry West passed away at 86. 

Jerry West, who spent his entire NBA career with the Lakers, was a franchise player* who left an indelible mark on the team. Upon hearing of his passing, numerous fans and NBA players expressed their condolences on social media. The next day, the NBA decided to hold a moment of silence in his honor before Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

*Franchise Player: A key player who represents the image and identity of the team

"I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry's passing. He was truly a friend and a mentor. Like an older brother to me. ... Rest in Peace, Logo."
- Michael Jordan, expressing his sorrow over Jerry West's passing

"The LOGO & Mr. Clutch"

Jerry West was known to many as "The Logo,"* but during his playing days, he was called "Mr. Clutch." His exceptional skills and ability to perform in critical moments made him deserving of this nickname. Jerry West was the only real challenger to Boston Celtics star Bill Russell's dominance. West's fearless approach to taking on the seemingly invincible Celtics captivated NBA fans of his era..

* Logo: The NBA logo silhouette is modeled after Jerry West.
** Although West was a formidable opponent, he never won a championship during Bill Russell's reign in the 1960s.

 

 

Despite his glamorous on-court persona, Jerry West's childhood was far from idyllic. He was born into poverty, his father was abusive, and his older brother, whom he looked up to, died in the Korean War at just 22. Growing up in such a harsh environment, West became extremely introverted.

West was small and frail as a child. Doctors advised against strenuous activities, and his mother tried to keep him from playing sports. One day, he casually shot a basketball through a hoop in a neighbor's barn, and the feeling of that first successful shot gave him entertainment he had never known.

This moment he has marked a turning point in his life. By the time he entered high school, he had grown to 6 feet tall. He joined the high school basketball team, averaging 33.2 points per game, and became one of the most sought-after players in college basketball. His dominance continued in college, winning Player of the Year twice and leading the U.S. team to a gold medal in the 1960 Olympics.

 

 

1960, Jerry West was selected as an All-Star in his rookie NBA season. Known for his long-range shooting and precise passing, his play style was a precursor to the "dual guard"* role that became popular in the 2010s. As the primary ball handler**, he averaged 27 points per game***, a testament to his scoring prowess comparable to that of LeBron James today.

* Dual Guard: A player who can handle the ball and score, a style popularized in the 2010s by players like Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving.
** Main Ball Handler: The Player responsible for bringing the ball up the court, usually not the team's primary scorer..
*** LeBron James also averages 27.2 points per game, but West's scoring was even more impressive without the three-point line.

 

 

Despite his scoring ability, West's teams did not win a championship in the 1960s. However, his career took a brighter turn starting in the 1969 season. That year, he became the only Player in NBA history to be named Finals MVP* from a losing team. In the 1970 season, West teamed up with Wilt Chamberlain to lead the Lakers to a record 69-13 season. In 1972, they achieved an NBA record of 33 consecutive wins, and West finally won his first championship.

* The Finals MVP is typically awarded to a player from the winning team, but West was chosen despite the Lakers' 3-4 series loss in 1969.
** The second-longest winning streak in NBA history is 27 games by LeBron James' team, six games shy of West's record.

 

 

Jerry West retired from playing in 1974 but achieved even greater success as a coach and executive. He won eight championships in these roles, a remarkable feat compared to his single championship as a player.

West was renowned for building "super teams" throughout his career. He was instrumental in creating the Showtime Lakers* of the 1980s, the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal Lakers dynasty*, and the Golden State Warriors dynasty* led by Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

* Showtime Lakers: The team from the 1976-77 to 1988-89 seasons, known for their exciting play and consistent playoff appearance.
** Lakers Dynasty: Led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, this team achieved the first three-peat in Lakers history.
*** Warriors Dynasty: Coached by Steve Kerr, this team made five consecutive Finals appearances and won three championships centered around Stephen Curry.

 

 

Jerry West earned many nicknames during his over 50 years in the NBA, but most fans remember him as "The Logo" because the NBA logo is based on his image.

 

 

While the NBA has never officially confirmed West as the logo's model, they have not discouraged fans from calling him "The Logo." This is because the league, its players, and fans all recognize the historic moments he contributed to the NBA. Even after his passing, Jerry West is celebrated as "The Logo," ensuring his legacy as one of the most remembered figures in the history of the NBA. 

 

 

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