History of Jerry West in Timeline

Jerry West, nicknamed "the Logo" due to his silhouette inspiring the NBA logo, was a celebrated American basketball player and executive. Known as "Mr. Clutch" for his game-winning abilities, most notably his 60-foot shot in the 1970 NBA Finals, and "Mr. Outside" for his perimeter play, West spent his entire NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. His legacy extends beyond his playing days, solidifying his status as one of basketball's all-time greats.

Sections (6)

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

May 28, 1938: Birth of Jerry West

On May 28, 1938, Jerry Alan West was born. He would later become a celebrated American basketball player and executive known as "the Logo".

Others born on this day/year

1951: Brother's Death in Korean War

In 1951, Jerry West's older brother, David, was killed in action during the Korean War, which caused Jerry to become shy and introverted.

1952: Attended East Bank High School

In 1952, Jerry West began attending East Bank High School in East Bank, West Virginia.

1953: Growth Spurt and Team Captain

During the summer of 1953, Jerry West grew to 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) and became the captain of the freshman team at East Bank High School.

1955: Attended Mountaineer Boys State

In 1955, Jerry West represented East Bank High School by attending the Mountaineer Boys State session.

1956: Chosen to Attend West Virginia University

After graduating from East Bank High School in 1956, Jerry West chose to attend West Virginia University (WVU).

1956: All-American and State Championship

In 1956, Jerry West was named All-American and led East Bank High School to a state championship, becoming the state's first high-school player to score more than 900 points in a season.

1958: Junior Year Achievements

During his junior year (1958-59), Jerry West averaged 26.6 points and 12.3 rebounds per game at West Virginia University and was named Most Outstanding Player of that year's Final Four. He also won a gold medal as part of the U.S. Pan American Games basketball team.

1959: NCAA Championship Game

In 1959, Jerry West led the West Virginia Mountaineers to the NCAA championship game where, despite losing, he earned the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player honor.

1959: Final Collegiate Season

In his final collegiate season of 1959-60, Jerry West achieved several career highs, including 29.3 points per game, 134 assists, and 16.5 rebounds per game.

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 with Oscar Robertson

In 1960, Jerry West co-captained the U.S. men's basketball team with Oscar Robertson, winning the gold medal at the Summer Olympics.

1960: Drafted by Minneapolis Lakers

In 1960, Jerry West was drafted with the second overall pick by the Minneapolis Lakers, marking his entry into the NBA. He became the first draft pick of the relocated franchise, which moved to Los Angeles.

1960: Basketball Hall of Fame

In 1960, Jerry West was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the U.S. Olympic team.

1960: Olympic Gold Medal

In 1960, Jerry West was the co-captain of the U.S. Olympic gold medal team in basketball.

1961: Improved Lakers Performance and Playoff Run

In 1961, Jerry West helped the Lakers improve their win record from 25 to 36 games, leading to a playoff appearance where they defeated the Detroit Pistons but lost to the St. Louis Hawks.

1961: Stepping Up as Team Leader

In the 1961–62 NBA season, with Elgin Baylor's limited availability, Jerry West took over as team leader, averaging 30.8 points per game and earning All-NBA First Team honors. This marked the beginning of his rise as "Mr. Clutch".

January 17, 1962: Career-High 63 Points Against New York Knicks

On January 17, 1962, Jerry West scored a career-high 63 points in a 129–121 victory against the New York Knicks.

1962: NBA Finals Game 3 Steal and Layup

In 1962, during Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Jerry West stole the ball and made a layup at the buzzer to win the game for the Lakers against the Boston Celtics.

1962: NBA All-Star and All-NBA First Team Selection

In the 1962–63 NBA season, Jerry West averaged 27.8 points, 7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, earning NBA All-Star and All-NBA First-Team honors. However, he missed the last seven weeks of the season due to a hamstring injury.

1963: Lakers Scoring Leader

In the 1963–64 NBA season, Jerry West became the Lakers' scoring leader for the first time, averaging 28.7 points per game.

1964: West Averaged Career-High Points

In 1964, Jerry West averaged 31.0 points, which was a career-high for him at the time, only surpassed by Wilt Chamberlain.

1964: Playoff Loss to the Hawks

In 1964, the Lakers, led by Jerry West, struggled during the season and were ultimately beaten by the Hawks in five games during the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

1965: West Leads Lakers to NBA Finals

In 1965, Jerry West led the Lakers to the NBA Finals after Baylor's injury, averaging 46.3 points in the playoffs, an NBA record. However, the Celtics defeated the Lakers in the NBA Finals 4-1, despite West's strong performance.

1965: West Achieves Career-Best Stats

In 1965, during the 1965-66 NBA season, Jerry West achieved a career-best average of 31.3 points, along with 7.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game.

1966: West Plays Limited Games Due to Injury

During the 1966-67 NBA season, Jerry West played only 66 regular-season games due to injury, impacting his averages.

1966: Lakers Fall to Celtics in NBA Finals

In 1966, The Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals after a seven-game series. West's scoring was countered by Celtics forward John Havlicek. In Game 7, the Lakers fell short, losing 95-93.

1967: Lakers Experience Disappointing Season

In 1967, 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. Coach Fred Schaus retired.

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 caused tension within the team.

1968: Gail Goodrich Lost in Expansion Draft

In 1968, during the 1968-69 NBA season, Gail Goodrich was lost in the expansion draft to the Phoenix Suns

1968: Lakers Lose to Celtics in NBA Finals

In 1968, the Lakers lost to the Celtics in the NBA Finals. Jerry West sprained his ankle during the series, impacting his performance.

1969: Finals MVP Despite Losing

In 1969, Jerry West was named Finals MVP, despite being on the losing team, making him the only player in NBA history to achieve this.

1969: Lakers Face Celtics in NBA Finals

In 1969, the Lakers faced the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. West complained of exhaustion before Game 1 but scored 53 points. He later pulled his hamstring during Game 5.

1969: West Wins Finals MVP Despite Loss

In 1969, the Lakers lost to the Celtics in the NBA Finals. Despite a triple-double in Game 7, West's efforts were not enough, but he became the only player to win the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award from the losing team.

1969: NBA Logo Design

In 1969, the NBA logo, incorporating a silhouette based on a photograph of Jerry West, was designed by Alan Siegel.

1969: All-Defensive Teams Introduction

In 1969, when the All-Defensive Teams were introduced, Jerry West made every one of them until his career ended.

1970: Buzzer-Beating Shot in 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, contributing to his reputation as "Mr. Clutch".

1970: West Leads NBA in Scoring

In 1970, during the 1969-70 NBA season, Jerry West led the NBA in scoring average with 31.2 points per game after Chamberlain's injury.

1970: Lakers Reacquire Gail Goodrich

In 1970, during the 1970-71 NBA season, the Lakers reacquired Gail Goodrich, who came back from the Phoenix Suns.

1971: West Considers Retirement

In 1971, before the 1971-72 NBA season, Jerry West considered retirement due to frequent injuries and losses.

1971: West Injured, Lakers Lose in Playoffs

In 1971, during the 1970-71 NBA season, after Elgin Baylor's injury, Jerry West injured his knee and was out for the season. The Lakers lost the Western Conference Finals to the Milwaukee Bucks.

1972: "Jerry West Night"

Even before his sole championship in 1972, the Lakers held a "Jerry West Night", where Bill Russell appeared and hailed him as a champion.

1972: Took on role of team captain

In 1972, Jerry West took on the role of team captain for the first time after deferring to Chamberlain.

1972: Shift to Playmaker Role

In 1972, Jerry West transitioned from a primary scorer to a playmaker, averaging 22.8 points and 8.8 assists, earning First Team honors in the All-Star, All-NBA, and All-Defense Teams.

1972: NBA All-Star MVP and Championship Win

In 1972, Jerry West was chosen as the NBA All-Star MVP and won the only NBA title of his playing career.

1972: West Wins All-Star Game MVP

In 1972, Jerry West was voted the 1972 All-Star Game MVP and was also named All-Star, All-NBA, and All-Defense First Teamer.

1972: West Wins First NBA Championship

In 1972, the Lakers defeated the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, marking Jerry West's first-ever NBA title. Despite a shooting slump, West reached 4,002 playoff points, setting an NBA record.

1973: 1973 NBA Finals Appearance

In the 1973 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, the Lakers, including Jerry West who scored 24 points in Game 1 before fouling out, lost the series despite West's valiant efforts while playing with strained hamstrings.

1973: Final NBA Season and All-Star Game

In the 1973-74 NBA season, Jerry West's last as a player, he averaged 20.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, earning his final All-Star Game selection despite playing only 31 games due to a strained groin.

1974: End of Career

Jerry West ended his NBA career in 1974, having made every All-Defensive Team since their introduction in 1969.

1976: Lakers Coach

In 1976, Jerry West became 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

In 1977, as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry West led the team to the Western Conference Finals.

1978: Marriage to Kristine "Karen" Bua

In 1978, Jerry West married his second wife, Kristine "Karen" Bua.

1979: Election to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 1979, Jerry West was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

1980: Hall of Fame Induction 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 Ring

In 1980, as general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry West won his first championship ring.

1982: Named Lakers General Manager

Before the 1982–83 NBA season, Jerry West was named general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, after working as a player-scout for three years.

1982: General Manager of the Lakers

In 1982, Jerry West became the general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, succeeding Bill Sharman.

1983: Lakers Retire Jersey

In 1983, the Los Angeles Lakers retired Jerry West's No. 44 jersey.

1985: Lakers Championship Ring

In 1985, as general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry West won another championship ring.

1987: Lakers Championship Ring

In 1987, as general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry West won another championship ring.

1988: Lakers Championship Ring

In 1988, as general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry West won another championship ring.

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.

1995: NBA Executive of the Year Award (Lakers)

In 1995, Jerry West won the NBA Executive of the Year Award as the manager of the Los Angeles Lakers.

1996: Acquisition of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal

In 1996, Jerry West traded Vlade Divac for the draft rights to Kobe Bryant and signed 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: East Bank High School Closing

In 1999, East Bank High School closed. Before it was closed, every year on March 24, the school changed its name to "West Bank High School" in honor of Jerry West, a tradition that lasted until the school closed in 1999.

1999: Signing of Phil Jackson

In 1999, Jerry West signed Phil Jackson as the coach of the Lakers.

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.

2000: "Jerry West Boulevard" Dedication

In the summer of 2000, the city of Morgantown, West Virginia, dedicated the road outside the West Virginia University Coliseum as "Jerry West Boulevard".

2001: Lakers NBA Championship

In 2001, the Lakers defended their NBA championship, a team foundation set by Jerry West.

2002: Became General Manager of the Memphis Grizzlies

In 2002, Jerry West became the general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies, where he helped the franchise secure their first-ever playoff berths.

2002: Lakers NBA Championship

In 2002, the Lakers defended their NBA championship, a team foundation set by Jerry West.

2004: Executive of the Year Award

In 2004, Jerry West won his second NBA Executive of the Year Award.

2004: NBA Executive of the Year Award (Grizzlies)

In 2004, Jerry West won the NBA Executive of the Year Award as the manager of the Memphis Grizzlies.

November 26, 2005: WVU Retires 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

On February 17, 2007, a bronze statue of Jerry West, created by Jamie Lester, was installed outside of the WVU Coliseum.

2007: Retirement as Grizzlies General Manager

In 2007, Jerry West retired as the general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies.

March 2008: Ranked Third Greatest Shooting Guard

In March 2008, ESPN voted Jerry West the third greatest shooting guard of all time.

2010: Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2010, Jerry West was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the U.S. Olympic team.

2010: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction

In 2010, the 1960 U.S. Olympic gold medal team, which included Jerry West, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

February 17, 2011: Statue Unveiled at Staples Center

On February 17, 2011, a statue of Jerry West was unveiled outside the Staples Center at the Star Plaza in Los Angeles, California.

May 19, 2011: Joins Golden State Warriors

On May 19, 2011, Jerry West joined the Golden State Warriors as an executive board member and minority owner.

2011: WVU All-Time Records

As of 2011, Jerry West holds 12 WVU all-time records, showcasing his lasting impact on the university's basketball program.

2011: Publication of Memoir

In 2011, Jerry West and Jonathan Coleman released the memoir "West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life", which became a New York Times bestseller.

West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life

Check it on Amazon

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: Warriors win NBA title

In 2015, as a member of Golden State's front office, West won an NBA title when the Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 4-2.

2016: Potential Clippers move

In 2016, Clippers coach, Doc Rivers, floated the idea of West joining the organization.

2016: West Earns Eighth Championship

In the 2016-17 season, Jerry West earned his eighth championship as a team executive with the Warriors.

June 1, 2017: Expressed Interest in Returning to Lakers

On June 1, 2017, Jerry West publicly stated his interest in returning to the Lakers, but they hired Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka instead.

June 14, 2017: Joins 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 with Golden State Warriors

In 2017, Jerry West secured another NBA title as a consultant with the Golden State Warriors.

2017: Warriors win NBA title

In 2017, as a member of Golden State's front office, West won an NBA title when the Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 4-1.

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: Michelle Wie's Marriage to Jonnie West

In 2019, Jerry West's son, Jonnie West, married professional golfer Michelle Wie.

December 17, 2020: NBA Investigation

On December 17, 2020, it was reported that Jerry West and the Los Angeles Clippers were under investigation by the NBA following a lawsuit over the recruitment of Kawhi Leonard.

2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team Selection

In 2021, Jerry West was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

April 19, 2022: Demanded Retraction from HBO

On April 19, 2022, Jerry West demanded a retraction from HBO for his portrayal 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 their top 75 players of all time, and named Jerry West as the 14th greatest player in NBA history.

June 12, 2024: Death of Jerry West

On June 12, 2024, Jerry Alan West passed away. He was a celebrated American basketball player and executive, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.