Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jerry West

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jerry West made an impact.

Jerry West, nicknamed "the Logo", "Mr. Clutch", and "Zeke from Cabin Creek", was a celebrated American basketball player and executive. He played his entire professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. West is considered one of basketball's all-time greats, known for his exceptional perimeter play, clutch performances, and the silhouette that inspired the NBA logo. His remarkable career included a famous 60-foot buzzer-beater in the 1970 NBA Finals.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1964: West's Career High

In 1964, Jerry West averaged a then-career-high 31.0 points during the NBA season.

1965: West's Best Season

During the 1965-66 NBA season, Jerry West averaged a career-best 31.3 points. He earned All-Star Team and All-NBA First Team nominations.

1965: West Leads Lakers to Finals

In 1965, after Baylor's injury, Jerry West led the Lakers through the playoffs, averaging 46.3 points per game, an NBA record. The Lakers reached the 1965 NBA Finals, but lost to the Celtics 4-1.

1966: Finals Loss to Celtics

In 1966, the Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals after a close seven-game series. West's scoring dominance was countered by John Havlicek.

1967: Lakers Swept in Playoffs

In 1967, the Lakers had a disappointing season and were swept by the San Francisco Warriors in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Fred Schaus retired as coach.

July 9, 1968: Lakers Acquire Wilt Chamberlain

On July 9, 1968, the Lakers traded Archie Clark, Darrall Imhoff, and Jerry Chambers to the Philadelphia 76ers for Wilt Chamberlain, creating locker room tension and impacting West's play.

1968: Goodrich Departure

In 1968 Gail Goodrich departed the Lakers after being lost in the expansion draft to the Phoenix Suns. This left Lakers coach Van Breda Kolff concerned about the lack of guards

1968: Finals Loss to Celtics

In the 1968 NBA playoffs, the Lakers lost yet another NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics, with West injured during the series.

1969: Finals MVP Despite Loss

In the 1969 NBA Finals, despite Jerry West's triple-double in Game 7, the Lakers lost to the Celtics. West became the only player to win the NBA Finals MVP award from the losing team.

1970: West Leads in Scoring

In the 1969-70 NBA season, Jerry West led the NBA in scoring average with 31.2 points per game after Chamberlain's injury. The Lakers reached the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks but lost.

1970: Goodrich Reacquired

In 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: Injury and Playoff Loss

In 1971, Jerry West injured his knee and was out for the season after Elgin Baylor's injury. The Lakers lost the Western Conference finals to the Milwaukee Bucks.

1972: NBA Championship Victory

In 1972, the Lakers defeated the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, securing Jerry West's first NBA title. He reached 4,002 playoff points, setting an all-time NBA record.

1972: Record-Breaking Season and All-Star MVP

In 1972, under coach Bill Sharman, the Lakers had a record-breaking 69-win season with a 33-game win streak. Jerry West contributed with 25.8 points and led the league with 9.7 assists per game, earning the All-Star Game MVP award.