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Jerry West is one of the most important figures in the history of professional sports in America. One of the greatest basketball players, West is synonymous with the NBA. “The Logo” was transcendent as a player and would become an elite front-office executive after his playing days. This is the story of the iconic Jerry West.
West Virginia Roots
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Jerry West was born into a poor household in Chelyan, West Virginia, on May 28, 1938. He was the fifth of six children born to Cecil Sue West, a housewife, and Howard Stewart West, a coal mine electrician. West’s father was physically abusive, causing him to sleep with a loaded shotgun underneath his bed for protection. Initially an outgoing child, West became shy and introverted after his older brother, David, was killed in action during the Korean War in 1951. Due to his small stature and frailty, West was kept away from sports to prevent serious injury.
West’s Family Background & Challenges
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West’s family faced numerous challenges during his childhood. His father, Howard, was known to be physically abusive towards his children — creating a tense and fearful atmosphere at home. The loss of West’s older brother, David, who was killed in action during the Korean War in 1951, deeply affected Jerry. The loss transformed him from an outgoing child to a shy and introverted one. The family’s financial situation was also tricky, as they lived in poverty. Despite these hardships, West’s mother provided a loving presence in the home.
Developing His Passion For Basketball
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Despite his physical limitations and family challenges, Jerry West found solace in basketball. He spent countless hours shooting at a makeshift hoop attached to a neighbor’s storage shed, honing his skills and developing his deep passion for the game. West would practice tirelessly, ignoring the mud and snow in his backyard, as well as his mother’s whippings when he came home late for dinner. His dedication to the sport became evident as he continued to improve his shooting from every angle, laying the foundation for his future success as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
East Bank High School
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Jerry West attended East Bank High School from 1952 to 1956, where he initially struggled to make an impact due to his lack of height. However, under the guidance of coach Duke Shaver, who emphasized the importance of conditioning and defense, West soon became the captain of the freshman team. During the summer of 1953, West experienced a growth spurt, reaching 6-feet (1.83 m). This newfound height, combined with his tireless work ethic, allowed him to become the team’s starting small forward. West quickly established himself as one of the finest high school players in West Virginia.
Developing Into a Star Player
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As West continued to develop his skills at East Bank High School, he emerged as a star player and earned recognition throughout the state. His mid-range jump shot became his trademark, and he often used it to score under pressure from opposing defenses. West’s talent and dedication earned him All-State honors from 1953 to 1956, and he was named an All-American in 1956 — the same year he was voted West Virginia Player of the Year. That season, West became the first high school player in the state to score more than 900 points, averaging an impressive 32.2 points per game.
From East to West
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In his final year at East Bank High School, Jerry West led his team to a state championship on March 24, 1956. This remarkable achievement was a testament to his skill, leadership, and the countless hours he had dedicated to perfecting his craft. In honor of its basketball prodigy, East Bank High School decided to change its name to “West Bank High School” every year on March 24, starting in 1956. This tradition continued until the school’s closure in 1999, serving as a lasting tribute to the impact Jerry West had on his high school and the local community.
Top Recruit
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Jerry West’s incredible high school career attracted the attention of more than 60 universities. Still, he ultimately chose to stay in his home state and attend West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown. As a freshman in 1956-57, West was part of a dominant WVU freshman squad that achieved a perfect 17-0 record throughout the season. His teammates on this undefeated team included Jay Jacobs and Willie Akers. West’s success on the freshman team showcased his immense talent and laid the groundwork for his future achievements as a varsity player at WVU, where he would go on to become one of the most iconic players in college basketball history.
Achievements at West Virginia
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In his three years on the varsity team at West Virginia University, Jerry West cemented his status as one of the greatest college basketball players of his generation. Under the guidance of head coach Fred Schaus, West consistently demonstrated his scoring prowess, averaging 17.8 points per game as a sophomore, 26.6 as a junior, and 29.3 as a senior. He also made significant contributions in rebounding and assists, showcasing his versatility on the court. West’s outstanding performances earned him numerous accolades, including multiple All-American selections and Southern Conference Player of the Year honors.
The 1959 NCAA Championship Game
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In 1959, West led the West Virginia Mountaineers to the National Championship Game against the California Golden Bears. Throughout the tournament, West showcased his scoring ability, tying the NCAA record for most points in five tournament games with 160 (32.0 points per game). In the Final, West scored 28 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough as the Mountaineers fell to California, 71-70. Despite the heartbreaking loss, West’s incredible performance earned him the Most Outstanding Player award for the Final Four. This game solidified West’s reputation as a clutch performer and foreshadowed his future success in the NBA.
1960 Olympic Games in Rome
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After his outstanding college career at West Virginia, Jerry West was selected to co-captain the U.S. men’s basketball team at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome alongside fellow future NBA star Oscar Robertson. The U.S. team was heavily favored to win the gold medal, and they did not disappoint. West played a significant role in the team’s success, showcasing his scoring ability and defensive prowess on the international stage. The U.S. team dominated the competition, winning each of their games by an average margin of over 40 points. West’s participation in the 1960 Olympics further cemented his status as one of the most talented young basketball players in the world. It helped prepare him for his upcoming NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Laker Land
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Jerry West was drafted second overall by the Minneapolis Lakers in the 1960 NBA Draft, just before the team relocated to Los Angeles. As a rookie, West started in the backcourt alongside star forward Elgin Baylor, forming a potent one-two punch that became known as “Mr. Inside” (Baylor) and “Mr. Outside” (West). West quickly adapted to the NBA game, averaging 17.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in his debut season, earning him his first All-Star Game selection. The duo of West and Baylor led the Lakers to the NBA Finals in 1962, where they faced off against the Boston Celtics in the first of many iconic battles between the two franchises.
Battling the Celtics
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Throughout the 1960s, Jerry West and the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals six times. These matchups became the stuff of legend, with the two teams trading victories and establishing one of the greatest rivalries in sports history. Despite West’s incredible performances, which earned him the nickname “Mr. Clutch” for his ability to hit game-winning shots, the Lakers struggled to overcome the Celtics, led by the likes of Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and John Havlicek. The most heartbreaking loss came in the 1969 Finals, where West became the only player in NBA history to win the Finals MVP award despite his team losing the series in seven games. These hard-fought battles against the Celtics would come to define West’s career and cement his status as one of the NBA’s most iconic players.
West, Wilt and Glory
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In 1968, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired dominant center Wilt Chamberlain from the Philadelphia 76ers, adding a new dimension to their team. The trio of West, Baylor, and Chamberlain formed one of the most talented cores in NBA history. However, it was in the 1971-72 season, under new head coach Bill Sharman, that the Lakers finally broke through and won their first championship in Los Angeles. That season, the team won a then-record 69 games and went on an unprecedented 33-game winning streak. West, at age 33, averaged 25.8 points, led the NBA with 9.7 assists per game, and earned All-Star, All-NBA First-Team, and All-Defensive First-Team honors. In the NBA Finals, the Lakers defeated the New York Knicks in five games, with West averaging 19.8 points and 8.8 assists in the series — finally earning the championship that had eluded him for so long.
Career Accomplishments
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Throughout his 14-year NBA career, all spent with the Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry West established himself as one of the greatest guards in league history. He was a 14-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA selection (10 First-Team, two Second-Team), and a five-time All-Defensive First-Team honoree. West won the scoring title in the 1969-70 season, averaging 31.2 points per game, and led the league in assists (9.7 per game) in the 1971-72 season. He retired with 25,192 points, 6,238 assists, and 5,366 rebounds, averaging 27.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game for his career. West’s 29.1 points per game average in the playoffs is second only to Michael Jordan in NBA history. His No. 44 was retired by the team in 1983, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980.
A Brief Head Coaching Career
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After retiring from the game as a player in 1974, West took over as the Lakers head coach for three seasons from 1976 to 1979. In his first season, he led the Lakers to a 53-29 record and a trip to the Western Conference Finals, where they lost to the Portland Trail Blazers. The following two seasons saw the Lakers make the playoffs but fall short of reaching the Finals, with records of 45-37 and 47-35, respectively. Despite not winning a championship as a head coach, West’s ability to lead and motivate his players was evident throughout his brief coaching tenure. His experience as a coach would later serve him well in his future roles as an executive with the Lakers and other NBA teams.
Becoming the Greatest Executive in L.A. Sports History
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In 1982, Jerry West transitioned into a front-office role, becoming the general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers. During his tenure, West played a crucial role in constructing the “Showtime” Lakers dynasty of the 1980s, which won five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988). He made key acquisitions such as drafting James Worthy, A.C. Green, and Vlade Divac and trading for Byron Scott, Bob McAdoo, and Mychal Thompson, to complement the talents of Magic Johnson.
West’s eye for talent and his ability to build a winning roster were instrumental in the Lakers’ success throughout the decade. In the late 1990s, West laid the foundation for another Lakers dynasty by signing free agent Shaquille O’Neal and drafting Kobe Bryant in 1996. He also hired Phil Jackson as head coach in 1999, setting the stage for the Lakers’ three-peat from 2000 to 2002 — though West himself left the team after the 1999-2000 season.
West to East
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In 2002, Jerry West took on a new challenge as the general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies. This team had struggled since its inception. West’s goal was to transform the Grizzlies into a competitive franchise, and he worked diligently to acquire talented players and build a winning culture. During his tenure, West drafted Pau Gasol and made critical acquisitions like Mike Miller and Shane Battier. He also hired Hubie Brown as head coach, who went on to win the NBA Coach of the Year Award in 2004.
Under West’s leadership, the Grizzlies made their first-ever playoff appearances in 2004 and 2005. West’s efforts to turn the franchise around were recognized when he won the NBA Executive of the Year Award in 2004. He retired from his position with the Grizzlies in 2007, leaving behind a much-improved team that would continue to make playoff appearances in the years to come.
Going Back to Cali
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In May 2011, Jerry West became an executive board member for the Golden State Warriors, working directly with the team’s new owners, Joe Lacob and Peter Guber. In this role, West provided valuable insight and guidance to the Warriors’ front office, drawing upon his decades of experience as a player, coach, and executive. His contributions played a crucial role in the Warriors’ resurgence as a dominant force in the NBA.
During his tenure, the Warriors won three NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018) and made four consecutive NBA Finals appearances (2015-2018). West’s eye for talent and his ability to mentor young players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green were crucial to the team’s success. His time with the Warriors further solidified his reputation as one of the most influential figures in NBA history, with a remarkable ability to build winning franchises.
Joining the Clippers
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After his successful stint with the Golden State Warriors, Jerry West joined the LA Clippers as an executive board member in June 2017. In this role, West aimed to help the Clippers become a championship-contending team, working alongside head coach Doc Rivers and the front office. He played a key role in recruiting free agents Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to the Clippers in 2019, instantly making the team a title contender. However, West’s tenure with the Clippers was not without controversy, as he and the organization were investigated by the NBA in 2020 following a lawsuit filed by Johnny Wilkes regarding the recruitment of Leonard. Despite this, West continued to serve as an influential figure within the Clippers organization until recently.
His Impact on the Lakers and the NBA
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Jerry West’s impact on the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA as a whole is immeasurable. As a player, he led the Lakers to the NBA Finals nine times, winning one championship and earning the nickname “Mr. Clutch” for his ability to perform under pressure. His 25,192 career points, 6,238 assists, and 5,366 rebounds are a testament to his incredible skill and work ethic. Off the court, West’s influence as an executive helped shape the Lakers into a dynasty twice, with his keen eye for talent and ability to build championship-caliber teams.
He played a crucial role in acquiring players like James Worthy, Mychal Thompson and Byron Scott, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal, who would go on to lead the Lakers to multiple titles. West’s contributions to the game of basketball extend far beyond his time with the Lakers, as he helped elevate the sport’s popularity among players and fans alike. West will forever be remembered as “The Logo”.
