Jerry West

Basketball Player

Jerome Alan West is an American basketball executive and former player. He played professionally for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association.

Full Name

Birthday

May 28, 1938

deathday

AGE

BORN

United States

BIrth SIGN

Gemini

RElationship

Height

6′ 3″

Net Worth

About

Jerry Alan West was born on May 28, 1938, in Chelyan, West Virginia. He grew up in a small coal mining town, where his father worked as a miner. His mother gave him the nickname "Zeke" due to his resemblance to a character from the radio show Fibber McGee and Molly. As a child, West was an avid basketball player and he excelled at the game from an early age.

West attended East Bank High School in East Bank, West Virginia and led his team to the state championship in 1956. After graduating high school, he went to college at West Virginia University where he continued playing basketball for the school's team. During his college career he earned All-American honors three times and was named MVP of the 1959 NCAA Tournament. In 1960, he was selected by the Minneapolis Lakers as their first round pick of the NBA Draft.

West played 14 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers before retiring in 1974. During that time he made 12 All-Star teams and won an NBA Title in 1972. He also earned MVP honors of the 1969 NBA Finals and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980. After retiring as a player, West served as head coach of both Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers before becoming general manager of several teams including The Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors. In 1996, West was named one of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History and later became known as "The Logo" after being featured on official NBA logo since 1971 until 2017 when it changed to Kobe Bryant's silhouette instead.

Life Timeline

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1938</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Jerry West is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On May 28, 1938, Jerry West was born in Chelyan, West Virginia.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1959</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Selected as an All-American at West Virginia University</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">West is selected as an All-American for the second year in a row at West Virginia University.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1960</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Selected by the LA Lakers in NBA Draft</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">West is selected as the 2nd overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1966</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Wins First NBA Championship</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">The Lakers win their first of 8 NBA Championships with West on the team.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1969</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">One of Only Two Players to Score 25,000 Points and Dish Out 5,000 Assists</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">West becomes one of only two players in NBA history to score over 25,000 points and dish out over 5,000 assists.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1980</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Retires from Playing Basketball</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">West retires from playing basketball after 14 seasons with the Lakers.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1996</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">West is inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.</p></div>

Why We Love Them

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He's a Hall of Famer</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Jerry West is a Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and has been recognized as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His legacy will be remembered forever.</p></div>

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> He's a Great Team Leader</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Jerry West was an excellent leader on the court and off. He was known for his excellent communication skills, leadership abilities and ability to motivate his teammates. He was also able to bring out the best in each player on the team.</p></div>

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> He's an Inspiration</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Jerry West is an inspiration to basketball players everywhere. His dedication to the game and willingness to put in the hard work to reach success is admirable. His passion for the game and commitment to excellence can be seen in every aspect of his life.</p></div>

Interesting Facts

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Played for the Lakers for 14 Seasons</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Jerry West played for the Los Angeles Lakers for 14 seasons, from 1960 to 1974. He was the first Laker to have his uniform number retired.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Drafted at Number Two Overall</h3><p id="" class="facts-text"> Jerry West was drafted second overall in the 1960 NBA draft, behind only Oscar Robertson. He had an impressive rookie season and was named to the All-Star team.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Won One Championship with the Lakers</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">West won one championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1972 when they defeated the New York Knicks in seven games. He was the MVP of the series.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> First Non-Celtic to be Named Finals MVP</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In 1969, Jerry West became the first non-Boston Celtic to be named NBA Finals MVP after leading the Lakers to seven games against the Celtics.</p></div>