History of Jerry West in Timeline
Jerry West, nicknamed "the Logo," "Mr. Clutch," "Mr. Outside," and "Zeke from Cabin Creek," was an American basketball player and executive. He is considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time, playing his entire professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers. "The Logo" nickname is derived from his silhouette being the basis for the NBA logo. West was known for his clutch performances, highlighted by his buzzer-beating 60-foot shot in the 1970 NBA Finals.
May 28, 1938: Jerry West's Birth
On May 28, 1938, Jerry Alan West was born. He would later become a celebrated American basketball player and executive.
1951: Death of Brother David
In 1951, Jerry West's older brother, David, was killed in action in the Korean War, which deeply affected Jerry and turned him into a shy and introverted boy.
1953: Increased Height and Starting Position
During the summer of 1953, Jerry West grew to 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) and became the starting small forward for his high school team.
1955: Attendance at Mountaineer Boys State
In 1955, Jerry West attended the session of Mountaineer Boys State, representing East Bank High School.
1956: Enrollment at West Virginia University
In 1956, Jerry West graduated high school and chose to attend West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown.
1958: Junior Year at WVU
In 1958, during his junior year at WVU, Jerry West scored 26.6 points per game and grabbed 12.3 rebounds per game.
1959: Collegiate Season Highs
During the 1959-60 collegiate season, Jerry West enjoyed several career highs, including scoring 29.3 points per game and grabbing 16.5 rebounds per game.
1959: NCAA Championship Game
In 1959, Jerry West led the West Virginia Mountaineers to the NCAA championship game and earned the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player honor, despite losing in the championship.
April 1960: Marriage to Martha Jane Kane
In April 1960, Jerry West married his college sweetheart Martha Jane Kane in Morgantown.
1960: Olympic Gold Medal
In 1960, Jerry West co-captained the U.S. men's basketball team that won the gold medal at the Summer Olympics.
1960: NBA Draft and Lakers Debut
In 1960, Jerry West was drafted with the second overall pick by the Minneapolis Lakers, becoming the first draft pick of the relocated franchise, and his college coach, Fred Schaus, was hired to coach the Lakers.
1960: Election into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a Member of the U.S. Olympic Team
In 1960, Jerry West was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the U.S. Olympic team.
1961: Improvement and Playoff Run
In 1961, Jerry West helped the Lakers improve their record to 36 wins, reaching the NBA playoffs where they eventually lost to the St. Louis Hawks in seven games.
1961: Stepping Up as Team Leader
In the 1961-62 NBA season, with Elgin Baylor's limited availability, Jerry West became the team leader for the Lakers, averaging 30.8 points per game and earning All-NBA First Team honors.
January 17, 1962: Career-High Scoring Game
On January 17, 1962, Jerry West scored a career-high 63 points in a 129–121 win over the New York Knicks.
1962: NBA Finals Loss to the Celtics
In 1962, Jerry West and the Lakers lost the NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics in a closely contested seven-game series.
1962: NBA All-Star and All-NBA First-Team Honors
In 1962-63 NBA season, Jerry West averaged 27.8 points, 7 rebounds and 5.6 assists and was again NBA All-Star and All-NBA First-Team.
1963: NBA Finals Loss to the Celtics
In 1963, Jerry West and the Lakers reached the NBA Finals again but lost to the Celtics in six games.
1963: Lakers' Scoring Leader
In 1963-64 NBA season, Jerry West became the Lakers' scoring leader for the first time, averaging 28.7 points per game.
1964: Playoff Loss to the Hawks
In 1964, The Lakers struggled during the entire season, winning only 42 games, and were beaten by the Hawks in five games during the first round of the 1964 NBA playoffs.
1964: Averaged career-high points
In 1964, during the 1964–65 NBA season, Jerry West averaged a then-career-high of 31.0 points.
1965: Averaged career-best points
During the 1965-66 NBA season, West averaged a career-best 31.3 points.
1965: Took over leading role due to Baylor's injury
In 1965, during the 1964-65 NBA playoffs, after Baylor's injury, West scored 49 points and willed the Lakers to win against the Baltimore Bullets. He averaged 46.3 points per game, an NBA record.
1966: Played only 66 games due to injury
In 1966, during the 1966–67 NBA season, Jerry West played only 66 regular season games due to injury.
1966: NBA Finals Loss
In 1966, the Lakers lost in a close seven-game series against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.
1967: Swept in the first round of the NBA playoffs
In 1967, during the 1966–67 NBA season, the Lakers had a disappointing season, winning only 36 games and getting swept by the San Francisco Warriors in the first round of the 1967 NBA playoffs.
July 9, 1968: Lakers trade for Wilt Chamberlain
On July 9, 1968, the Lakers traded for Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia 76ers, sending Archie Clark, Darrall Imhoff, and Jerry Chambers to Philadelphia. This trade impacted team dynamics and chemistry.
1968: Gail Goodrich traded away
In 1968, during the trade for Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia 76ers to Los Angeles, the Lakers lost Goodrich in the expansion draft to the Phoenix Suns.
1968: NBA Finals Loss to Celtics
In 1968, the Lakers lost another NBA Finals series to the Boston Celtics. Jerry West sprained his ankle during the series.
1969: NBA Finals MVP Award
In 1969, Jerry West became the only player in NBA history to be named Finals MVP despite being on the losing team.
1969: NBA Finals Against the Knicks
In 1969, during the 1969-70 NBA season, the Lakers ultimately lost to the rugged New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.
1969: NBA Logo Design Based on West's Silhouette
In 1969, the NBA logo was designed, incorporating a silhouette based on a photograph of Jerry West.
1969: All-Defensive Team Selection
In 1969, when the All-Defensive Teams were introduced, Jerry West made the team, starting a streak that lasted until his career ended.
1970: Buzzer-Beating Shot in the NBA Finals
In 1970, Jerry West made a famous buzzer-beating 60-foot shot that tied game 3 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, solidifying his reputation for clutch plays.
1970: Leads NBA in scoring average and makes incredible shot
In 1970, during the 1969-70 NBA season, West led the NBA in scoring average with 31.2 points per game. In game 3, West incredibly connected to a 60-foot shot that was later called one of the greatest moments ever by the NBA. However, he sprained his left hand in overtime, and the Knicks won 111–108.
1970: Reacquired Gail Goodrich
In 1970, during the 1970–71 NBA season, the Lakers reacquired Gail Goodrich, who came back from the Phoenix Suns after playing for the Lakers until 1968.
1971: Considered Retirement
Before the 1971–72 NBA season, Jerry West was smarting from his frequent injuries and losses and considered retirement.
1971: Injured Knee and lost in Western Conference Finals
In 1971, during the 1970–71 NBA season, Jerry West injured his knee and was out for the season; the short-handed Lakers lost the Western Conference finals in five games to the championship-bound Milwaukee Bucks.
1972: Took Over Team Captain Role
After deferring to Chamberlain previously, in 1972, West took on the role of team captain for the first time.
1972: "Jerry West Night" Recognition
Even before his sole championship in 1972, the Lakers held a "Jerry West Night," where Bill Russell praised West as a true champion.
1972: Shift to Playmaking Guard
In 1972, Jerry West entered his 13th NBA year with the Lakers. While averaging 22.8 points per game, he transitioned primarily into a playmaking guard role as Gail Goodrich became the principal scorer.
1972: NBA All-Star MVP and Championship Win
In 1972, Jerry West was chosen as the NBA All-Star MVP and won the only title of his career.
1972: Named All-Star Game MVP
In 1972, during the 1971-72 NBA season, Jerry West was named All-Star, All-NBA and All-Defense First Teamer and voted 1972 All-Star Game MVP.
1972: Won First NBA Championship
In 1972, the Lakers won the NBA championship against the New York Knicks, marking West's first-ever NBA title. He reached 4,002 playoff points during the series, setting an all-time NBA record.
1973: NBA Finals Loss and Hamstring Injuries
In 1973, the Lakers, despite winning 60 games and reaching the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, lost the series. During the series, Jerry West strained both of his hamstrings, impacting his performance.
1973: Final Season and Contractual Frustration
The 1973 season marked Jerry West's last as a player, during which he averaged 20.3 points per game. Despite being selected for the All-Star Game, he faced contractual frustration with Jack Kent Cooke, leading to his retirement and a lawsuit for unpaid back wages.
1974: End of All-Defensive Team Selection Streak
In 1974, Jerry West's career ended, marking the end of his continuous selection to the All-Defensive Teams since their introduction in 1969.
1976: Became Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers
In 1976, Jack Kent Cooke asked West to coach and participate in player personnel decisions, leading to West becoming the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
1976: Divorce from Martha Jane Kane
In 1976, Jerry West divorced his first wife, Martha Jane Kane.
1977: Western Conference Finals as Coach
In 1977, as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry West led the team, featuring star center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, to the Western Conference finals.
1978: Marriage to Kristine "Karen" Bua
In 1978, Jerry West married his second wife, Kristine "Karen" Bua.
1979: Election into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In 1979, Jerry West was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
1980: Induction into the Hall of Fame and NBA 35th Anniversary Team
In 1980, Jerry West was inducted into the Hall of Fame and named to the NBA 35th Anniversary Team.
1980: Lakers Championship
In 1980, as general manager of the Lakers, West helped to build the Showtime dynasty which brought a championship ring to Los Angeles.
1982: General Manager of the Lakers
In 1982, Jerry West became the general manager of the Lakers, succeeding Bill Sharman.
1983: Lakers Retired Jersey No. 44
In 1983, the Los Angeles Lakers retired Jerry West's No. 44 jersey.
1985: Lakers Championship
In 1985, as general manager of the Lakers, West helped to build the Showtime dynasty which brought a championship ring to Los Angeles.
1987: Lakers Championship
In 1987, as general manager of the Lakers, West helped to build the Showtime dynasty which brought a championship ring to Los Angeles.
1988: Lakers Championship
In 1988, as general manager of the Lakers, West helped to build the Showtime dynasty which brought a championship ring to Los Angeles.
1990: Induction into the National High School Hall of Fame
In 1990, Jerry West was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame.
1995: Executive of the Year Award
In 1995, Jerry West received his first Executive of the Year Award for his role in turning the Lakers around.
1996: Acquisition of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal
In 1996, Jerry West propelled the Lakers by trading Divac for the draft rights to Kobe Bryant and signing free agent center Shaquille O'Neal.
1996: NBA 50th Anniversary Team Selection
In 1996, Jerry West was named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
1999: Signing Phil Jackson as Coach
In 1999, Jerry West signed six-time NBA champion Phil Jackson as the coach for the Lakers.
1999: Closure of West Bank High School
In 1999, West Bank High School, formerly East Bank High School, which changed its name every March 24th in honor of Jerry West, closed down.
2000: Sixth Championship as Lakers' Executive
At the end of the 1999–2000 season, Jerry West departed from the Lakers after winning his sixth championship as an executive, due to a power struggle with head coach Phil Jackson.
2000: "Jerry West Boulevard" Dedication
In the summer of 2000, the city of Morgantown, West Virginia, dedicated the road outside of the West Virginia University Coliseum as "Jerry West Boulevard".
2001: Lakers NBA Championship Defense
In 2001, the Lakers defended their NBA championship as West laid down the foundation for their three-peat.
2002: General Manager of the Memphis Grizzlies
In 2002, Jerry West became general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies and helped the franchise win their first-ever playoff berths.
2002: Lakers NBA Championship Defense
In 2002, the Lakers defended their NBA championship as West laid down the foundation for their three-peat.
2004: Executive of the Year Award and Coach of the Year
In 2004, Jerry West won his second NBA Executive of the Year Award. Hubie Brown, who West signed as a coach, became Coach of the Year in the same year.
2004: NBA Executive of the Year Award as Grizzlies Manager
In 2004, Jerry West won the NBA Executive of the Year Award as a Grizzlies manager.
November 26, 2005: West Virginia University Retired Number 44
On November 26, 2005, Jerry West's number 44 became the first basketball number to be retired by West Virginia University.
February 17, 2007: Bronze Statue Installation at WVU Coliseum
On February 17, 2007, a bronze statue of Jerry West was installed outside of the WVU Coliseum.
2007: Retirement as Grizzlies General Manager
In 2007, Jerry West retired as general manager of the Grizzlies, handing over duties to Chris Wallace.
March 2008: Ranked Third Greatest Shooting Guard by ESPN
In March 2008, ESPN voted Jerry West the third greatest shooting guard of all time.
2010: Election into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a Member of the U.S. Olympic Team
In 2010, Jerry West was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team.
2010: Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In 2010, Jerry West's 1960 U.S. Olympic gold medal team was inducted as a unit into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
February 17, 2011: Statue Unveiled Outside Staples Center
On February 17, 2011, a statue of Jerry West was unveiled outside Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
May 19, 2011: Joined Golden State Warriors as Executive Board Member
On May 19, 2011, Jerry West joined the Golden State Warriors as an executive board member, reporting to new owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber and holding a minority ownership stake.
2011: WVU All-Time Records
As of 2011, Jerry West holds 12 WVU all-time records.
2011: Release of Memoir "West by West"
In 2011, Jerry West and Jonathan Coleman released a memoir entitled "West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life", which became a New York Times bestseller. In an interview related to the book, West revealed childhood physical abuse and ongoing depression.
2015: NBA Title as Consultant with Golden State Warriors
In 2015, Jerry West won an NBA title as a consultant with the Golden State Warriors.
2015: Golden State Warriors win NBA Championship
In 2015, as part of Golden State's front office, the Warriors won their NBA championship.
2015: Warriors Championship
In 2015, the Warriors won their first championship in 40 years, marking the seventh championship earned by West as a team executive.
2016: Rivers Floated the idea of West joining the Clippers
During the 2016 season, Clippers coach Doc Rivers floated the idea of West joining the organization.
June 1, 2017: Expressed Interest in Returning to the Lakers
On June 1, 2017, Jerry West publicly stated he would have been interested in returning to the Lakers, but they hired Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka instead.
June 14, 2017: Joined the Los Angeles Clippers
On June 14, 2017, Jerry West announced he would join the Los Angeles Clippers as an executive board member and consultant.
2017: Another NBA Title as Consultant with Golden State Warriors
In 2017, Jerry West won another NBA title as a consultant with the Golden State Warriors.
2017: Golden State Warriors win NBA Championship
In 2017, as part of Golden State's front office, the Warriors won their NBA championship.
2017: Warriors Championship
In 2017, the Golden State Warriors won the NBA Finals, securing West his eighth championship as a team executive.
September 5, 2019: Presidential Medal of Freedom
On September 5, 2019, Jerry West received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump in recognition of his contributions to the sport.
2019: Son Jonnie's Marriage to Michelle Wie
In 2019, Jerry West's son Jonnie, who played guard for West's college team, married professional golfer Michelle Wie.
December 17, 2020: NBA Investigation Regarding Kawhi Leonard Recruitment
On December 17, 2020, it was reported that Jerry West and the Los Angeles Clippers were under investigation by the NBA following a lawsuit regarding the recruitment of Kawhi Leonard.
2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team Selection
In 2021, Jerry West was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
April 19, 2022: Demand for Retraction from HBO's "Winning Time"
On April 19, 2022, Jerry West demanded a retraction from HBO for his depiction in the docudrama series "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty", calling it "cruel" and "deliberately false".
2022: Ranked 14th Greatest Player in NBA History
In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary, The Athletic ranked Jerry West as the 14th greatest player in NBA history.
June 12, 2024: Jerry West's Death
On June 12, 2024, Jerry Alan West passed away. He was an American basketball player and executive.
2024: Election into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a Contributor
In 2024, Jerry West was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor, honoring his tenure as a general manager and consultant.
2024: Induction to the Hall of Fame as Contributor
In 2024, Jerry West was inducted to the Hall of Fame as a contributor to the sport as an executive and consultant.
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