Jerry West

The Logo, Mr. Clutch, and Lakers legend.

Jerry Alan West (May 28, 1938 – June 12, 2024) was an American basketball player and executive. He played professionally for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA), and is universally regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. His nicknames included "the Logo", "Mr. Clutch", "Mr. Outside", and "Zeke from Cabin Creek".

Quick Facts

Born: 28 May 1938
Birthplace: Chelyan, West Virginia, U.S.
Died: 12 June 2024
Place of death: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
High school: East Bank (East Bank, West Virginia)
College: West Virginia (1957–1960)
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 2

Lore & Background

West played college basketball for the West Virginia Mountaineers, leading them to the 1959 NCAA championship game. He earned the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player honor despite the loss. He co-captained the 1960 U.S. Olympic gold medal team. In the NBA, he was voted 12 times into All-NBA Teams, selected to 14 All-Star Games, and was All-Star MVP in 1972, the year he won his only title.

He holds the NBA record for highest points per game average in a playoff series (46.3). He was a member of the first five NBA All-Defensive Teams. He is the only player to be named Finals MVP despite being on the losing team (1969). He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980 and named to the NBA 35th, 50th, and 75th Anniversary Teams.

After playing, he coached the Lakers for three years, then served as general manager, winning six championships. He later became general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies, winning NBA Executive of the Year twice (1995, 2004). He won two more titles as a consultant with the Golden State Warriors (2015, 2017). In 2024, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a contributor.

Reader's Guide

Jerry West attended East Bank High School in East Bank, West Virginia, from 1952 to 1956. He was named All-State from 1953 to 1956 and All-American in 1956, when he was West Virginia Player of the Year. He led East Bank to a state championship on March 24, 1956.

Did You Know?

West's nickname 'the Logo' refers to his silhouette being the basis for the NBA logo.
He hit a famous buzzer-beating 60-foot shot that tied Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals.