Jerry West

American basketball player and executive (1938-2024)

Jerome Alan West (May 28, 1938 – June 12, 2024) was an American basketball player. He was thought to be one of the best guards who ever played in the NBA. He played from 1960 to 1974, all with the Los Angeles Lakers. He wore number 44, which was retired by the Lakers.

Jerry West
West in 1972
Personal information
Born(1938-05-28)May 28, 1938
Chelyan, West Virginia, U.S.
DiedJune 12, 2024(2024-06-12) (aged 86)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[a]
Listed weight175 lb (79 kg)
Career information
High schoolEast Bank (East Bank, West Virginia)
CollegeWest Virginia (1957–1960)
NBA draft1960 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
Selected by the Minneapolis Lakers
Playing career1960–1974
PositionPoint guard
Number44
Coaching career1976–1979
Career history
As player:
19601974Los Angeles Lakers
As coach:
19761979Los Angeles Lakers
Career highlights and awards
As player:

As executive:

Career statistics
Points25,192 (27.0 ppg)
Rebounds5,366 (5.8 rpg)
Assists6,238 (6.7 apg)
Basketball Hall of Fame as player
College Basketball Hall of Fame
Inducted in 2006
Medals
Men's basketball
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 1960 Rome Team competition
Pan American Games
Gold medal – first place 1959 Chicago Team competition

West had scored the most points in a Laker jersey before Kobe Bryant ended his record in 2010. He is the model for the NBA logo. After playing, he was a coach and general manager for the Lakers. He was also the general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies and organized golf tournaments. He was originally from West Virginia.

His most famous nicknames are "The Logo", "Mr. Clutch", "Zeke from Cabin Creek" and "The Rover".

West died in Los Angeles, California on June 12, 2024, at the age of 86.[3][4]

References

change
  1. "Jerry West". National Basketball Association. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
  2. "Jerry West Reveals His Actual Height". December 16, 2013. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2018 – via YouTube.
  3. Bontemps, Tim; MacMahon, Tim; Givony, Jonathan (June 12, 2024). "NBA all-time great Jerry West dies at age 86". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  4. Petski, Denise (June 12, 2024). "Jerry West Dies: NBA Legend Who Built Showtime-Era Lakers Was 86". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 12, 2024.

Notes

  1. Listed by the NBA at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m),[1] West has stated that he was 6 feet 4.5 inches (1.943 m).[2]