Jerry West Biography – Jerry West was an American Basketball player and executive. He played for the famous Los Angeles Lakers.
Jerry West was known popularly as “the Logo” during and after his playing days, a name he got from his ability to cluth and assume the position of the NBA logo.
Let’s delve into Jerry West Biography, early life, networth, career and many other interesting facts.
Jerry West Biography and Background
Jerry West, whose Real Name was Jerome Alan West was born on the 28th of May, 1938 in Chelyan, West Virginia.
West was born in a family of six children. His father worked as a coal mine electrician and was known to be abusive, which led to a challenging home environment for young Jerry.
Jerry lost his brother at 12, in action during the Korean War. His brother’s loss had a deep effect on him and contributed to his introverted nature, forcing him to take Basketball as his refuge. He would spend countless hours practicing shots on a hoop that a neighbor had nailed to a shed, honing his skills in all weather conditions.
West’s dedication to basketball was unwavering despite his challenges and experiences growing up. He failed to make the football, baseball, and track teams at East Bank High School in East Bank, West Virginia, but his persistence paid off when he finally made the varsity basketball team². After a growth spurt before his senior year, West became a standout player, becoming the first in state history to score 900 points in a single season.
Career, Rise to Fame and Achievements
West played actively from 1960 – 1974 in the Los Angeles Lakers as a Point Guard.
West’s exceptional talent led him to West Virginia University, where he led the Mountaineers to the 1959 NCAA championship game and earned the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player honor, despite the loss in the championship. This set the stage for his illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers and his lasting impact on the sport of basketball.
Some of his career awards and achievements includes;
Playing Career:
– NBA Championship: Won as a player with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1972.
– NBA Finals MVP: In 1969, despite the Lakers’ loss, West was awarded the Finals MVP, becoming the only player to receive this honor from a losing team.
– All-Star Appearances: Made the All-Star team in all 14 years of his career.
– All-NBA Teams: Selected to 12 All-NBA teams.
– All-Defensive Teams: Named to five All-Defensive teams.
– Scoring Leader: Led the playoffs in scoring four times.
– Mr. Clutch: Known for his ability to perform in crucial moments, including a 60-foot shot to force overtime in Game 3 of the 1970 Finals.
– NBA’s Top 75 Players List: Included in this prestigious list.
Executive Career
– NBA Championships: Won eight rings as an executive.
– Showtime Lakers: Credited as the architect of the Showtime Lakers, leading to five championships.
– Kobe Bryant: Instrumental in trading up to draft Kobe Bryant in 1996.
– Shaquille O’Neal: Played a key role in signing Shaquille O’Neal to the Lakers.
– Talent Evaluator: Considered one of the greatest talent evaluators of all time.
Jerry West’s impact on the game of basketball extends far beyond these achievements, influencing generations of players and executives. His legacy is not only etched in the record books but also symbolized by the NBA logo, reflecting his enduring influence on the sport.
Death, Cause of Death
Jerry West passed away on the 12th of June, 2024 at the age of 86 years old. Causes of death however showed natural causes.
Networth and Estimated Value
At the time of his passing, Jerry West was estimated to be worth a whooping $50 million USD. A testament of his successful and hardworking life.
