History of Jerry West in Timeline
Jerry West was an iconic American basketball player and executive, primarily known for his remarkable career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Revered as one of basketball's all-time greats, West earned nicknames like "the Logo" due to his silhouette inspiring the NBA logo, and "Mr. Clutch" for his exceptional performance in critical moments, exemplified by his legendary 60-foot buzzer-beater in the 1970 NBA Finals. He was also called "Mr. Outside" for his perimeter skills and "Zeke from Cabin Creek" referencing his West Virginia roots. He left an indelible mark on the sport.
May 28, 1938: Jerry West's Birth
On May 28, 1938, Jerry Alan West was born. He would later become an iconic American basketball player and executive.
1951: Brother's Death in Korean War
In 1951, Jerry West's older brother, David, was killed in action in the Korean War, leading Jerry to become shy and introverted.
1953: Grew to 6 feet Tall
During the summer of 1953, Jerry West grew to 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m).
1955: Attended Mountaineer Boys State
In 1955, Jerry West attended the session of Mountaineer Boys State.
1956: All-American and West Virginia Player of the Year
In 1956, Jerry West was named All-American and West Virginia Player of the Year.
1958: Junior Year at WVU
During his junior year in 1958, Jerry West averaged 26.6 points per game and 12.3 rebounds per game for WVU.
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.
1959: Final Collegiate Season
In his final collegiate season of 1959-1960, Jerry West achieved several career highs, including scoring 29.3 points per game and averaging 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. This marked the beginning of their family life together.
1960: Gold Medal at Summer Olympics
In 1960, Jerry West co-captained the U.S. men's basketball team that won 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, becoming the first draft pick of the relocated franchise in Los Angeles.
1960: U.S. Olympic Team Hall of Fame
In 1960, Jerry West was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the U.S. Olympic team. This highlighted his contributions on an international level.
1960: U.S. Olympic Gold Medal
In 1960, Jerry West was the co-captain of the U.S. Olympic gold medal team.
1961: Baylor Called to U.S. Army Reserves
During the 1961-62 NBA season, Elgin Baylor was called up by the U.S. Army Reserves and could play only 48 games.
1961: Reached NBA Playoffs
In 1961, Jerry West helped the Lakers improve, reaching the NBA Playoffs, but they lost to the St. Louis Hawks.
January 17, 1962: Career High 63 Points
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 Against the Celtics
In 1962, the Lakers reached the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, marking the beginning of a significant rivalry, but the Celtics won the series.
1963: Lakers Scoring Leader
In the 1963-64 NBA season, Jerry West became the Lakers' scoring leader for the first time.
1964: Loss to Hawks in Playoffs
In 1964, the Lakers struggled and were beaten by the Hawks in five games during the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
1964: Averaged 31.0 Points Per Game
In the 1964-65 NBA season, Jerry West averaged 31.0 points per game, marking a career-high at the time.
1965: NBA Season Statistics
In 1965, Jerry West achieved a career-best average of 31.3 points per game, along with 7.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists.
1965: NBA Finals Loss to the Celtics
In 1965, the Celtics defeated the Lakers 4-1 in the NBA finals.
1966: Injury and Reduced Stats
In 1966, Jerry West played only 66 regular-season games due to injury, leading to slightly reduced averages of 28 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game.
1966: NBA Finals Loss to Celtics
In 1966, the Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals after a close seven-game series, with West's scoring being countered by John Havlicek.
1967: Playoff Sweep and Coaching Change
In 1967, the Lakers had a disappointing season, winning only 36 games and being swept by the San Francisco Warriors in the first round of the NBA Playoffs; veteran coach Fred Schaus retired.
July 9, 1968: Trade for Wilt Chamberlain
On July 9, 1968, the Lakers traded Archie Clark, Darrall Imhoff, and Jerry Chambers for Wilt Chamberlain, leading to locker room tension and affecting West's play.
1968: Gail Goodrich returns to Lakers
In 1968, Gail Goodrich came back from the Phoenix Suns after playing for L.A. until 1968.
1968: NBA Finals Loss to Celtics
In 1968, the Lakers lost again to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals despite strong performances from West who sprained his ankle during the series.
1969: Finals MVP on Losing Team
In 1969, Jerry West was named Finals MVP, making him the only player in NBA history to receive this honor despite being on the losing team.
1969: Complains of exhaustion
In 1969, before Game 1, West complained privately to Bill Russell of exhaustion, but then scored 53 points.
1969: NBA Finals MVP Despite Loss
In 1969, despite a triple-double in Game 7, Jerry West and the Lakers lost to the Celtics in the NBA Finals; West became the only player to win the NBA Finals MVP award from the losing team.
1969: NBA Logo Design
In 1969, the NBA logo, designed by Alan Siegel, was created incorporating a silhouette based on a photograph of Jerry West. This solidified West's image as the face of the NBA.
1969: All-Defensive Team Selections
In 1969, when the All-Defensive Teams were introduced, Jerry West made every one of them until his career ended in 1974. This highlighted his defensive skills and contributions to the game.
1970: NBA Finals Loss to Knicks and Historic Shot
In 1970, Jerry West led the NBA in scoring, but the Lakers lost to the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals despite West's incredible 60-foot shot in Game 3 to tie the game.
1970: Tied Game 3 of NBA Finals with Buzzer Beater
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: Reacquires Gail Goodrich
In the 1970-71 NBA Season, the Lakers reacquired Gail Goodrich who came back from the Phoenix Suns after playing for L.A. until 1968.
1971: Considering Retirement and Coaching Change
In 1971, Jerry West considered retirement due to frequent injuries and losses; Bill Sharman was hired as head coach.
1971: Injury and Playoff Loss
In 1971, Jerry West injured his knee and was out for the season after Elgin Baylor's achilles tendon rupture; the short-handed Lakers lost the Western Conference Finals to the Milwaukee Bucks.
1972: Lakers Held "Jerry West Night"
Even before his sole championship in 1972, the Lakers held a "Jerry West Night". Bill Russell appeared and called West a champion and stated that he wished he would always be happy.
1972: Deferring Team Captain Role to Chamberlain
In 1972, Jerry West deferred the role of team captain to Chamberlain. This year marked a shift in team dynamics as West took a backseat in leadership to accommodate Chamberlain's presence.
1972: NBA All-Star MVP and NBA Title
In 1972, Jerry West was chosen as the All-Star MVP and won the only NBA title of his career.
1972: Record-Breaking Season
In 1972, despite Elgin Baylor's retirement, the Lakers achieved a record-breaking season with a 33-game win streak and 69 regular-season wins; West led the league in assists and was named All-Star Game MVP.
1972: NBA Championship Victory
In 1972, the Lakers defeated the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, marking Jerry West's first-ever NBA title, though he felt he played poorly.
1973: NBA Finals Loss to Knicks
In 1973, the Lakers reached the NBA Finals again but lost to the New York Knicks; West struggled with injuries during the series.
1973: Final Season as a Player
The 1973 NBA season marked Jerry West's last as a player, averaging 20.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game despite a strained groin that limited him to 31 games. He earned a spot in his final All-Star Game and served as team captain for the first time. After the 1973 season, West retired due to contract disagreements.
1974: End of NBA career
In 1974 Jerry Wests's NBA career came to an end. This was also the last year he was on an All-Defensive Team.
1976: Divorce from Martha Jane Kane
In 1976, Jerry West and Martha Jane Kane divorced. They had three sons together.
1976: Asked to Coach the Los Angeles Lakers
In 1976, Lakers owner Jack Kent Cooke recognized Jerry West's leadership and teaching qualities and asked him to coach the Los Angeles Lakers. This marked a transition from player to coach for West.
1977: Western Conference Finals
In 1977, Jerry West, as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, led the team and star center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Western Conference finals. This was part of his three-year coaching stint where he achieved a 145-101 record.
1978: Second Marriage to Kristine "Karen" Bua
In 1978, Jerry West married his second wife, Kristine "Karen" Bua. This marked a new chapter in his personal life.
1979: Elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In 1979, Jerry West was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. It was a recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions as a player.
1980: Hall of Fame Induction
In 1980, Jerry West was inducted into the Hall of Fame and named to the NBA 35th Anniversary Team.
1980: Lakers Win Championship
In 1980, as general manager, Jerry West helped the Lakers secure a championship ring. This was part of the Lakers' dynasty known as Showtime.
1982: Named Lakers General Manager
Before the 1982-83 NBA season, Jerry West was named general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers.
1982: General Manager of the Lakers
Before the 1982-83 season, Jerry West became the general manager of the Lakers, succeeding Bill Sharman. He played a pivotal role in building the 'Showtime' Lakers dynasty, which brought multiple championships to Los Angeles.
1983: Lakers Retired Jersey Number 44
In 1983, the Lakers retired Jerry West's No. 44 jersey, honoring his contributions and legacy with the team. This was a significant tribute to his playing career.
1985: Lakers Win Championship
In 1985, as general manager, Jerry West contributed to the Lakers winning another championship ring, adding to the team's dynasty era.
1987: Lakers Win Championship
In 1987, Jerry West, in his role as general manager, assisted the Lakers in securing another championship ring, continuing the success of the 'Showtime' era.
1988: Lakers Win Championship
In 1988, Jerry West, as the general manager, played a vital role in the Lakers winning their fifth championship of the 'Showtime' era, solidifying the team's dominance.
1995: Executive of the Year Award
In 1995, Jerry West received his first Executive of the Year Award for his pivotal role in turning the Lakers around. This recognized his contributions to rebuilding the team and achieving success.
1996: Drafted Kobe Bryant and Signed Shaquille O'Neal
In 1996, Jerry West propelled the Lakers to championship contender status by trading Divac for the draft rights to Kobe Bryant and signing free agent center Shaquille O'Neal. These moves were crucial in forming a dominant team.
1996: Named One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History
In 1996, Jerry West was named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
1999: Signed Phil Jackson as Coach
In 1999, Jerry West signed six-time NBA champion Phil Jackson as the Lakers' coach. This move was instrumental in setting the stage for a successful era, leading to multiple NBA titles.
1999: Closure of West Bank High School
In 1999, West Bank High School, formerly East Bank High School, closed. The school had temporarily changed its name every March 24th to honor Jerry West until its closure.
2000: Departure from the Lakers
At the end of the 1999-2000 season, Jerry West departed from the Lakers after winning his sixth championship as an executive. He laid the foundation for the Lakers' three-peat from 2000 to 2002.
2000: "Jerry West Boulevard" Dedication
In the summer of 2000, the city of Morgantown, West Virginia, and West Virginia Governor Cecil Underwood, dedicated the road outside of the West Virginia University Coliseum as "Jerry West Boulevard". This honored West's contributions and legacy in his home state.
2002: Lakers Three-peat
Although Jerry West had left the team, in 2002 the Lakers completed a three-peat of NBA titles. This was something he laid the foundation for prior to his departure.
2002: General Manager of the Memphis Grizzlies
In 2002, Jerry West became the general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies, motivated by the desire to build a winning franchise that had not experienced much success. This marked a new chapter in his executive career.
2002: Named Grizzlies General Manager
In 2002, Jerry West became the general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies.
2004: Executive of the Year Award
In 2004, Jerry West won his second NBA Executive of the Year Award during his tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies. That same year, Hubie Brown, who West signed as coach, became Coach of the Year.
November 26, 2005: WVU Retired Number
On November 26, 2005, Jerry West's number 44 became the first basketball number to be retired by West Virginia University. This recognized his achievements and impact on the university.
February 17, 2007: Bronze Statue Installation
On February 17, 2007, a bronze statue created by sculptor Jamie Lester was installed outside of the WVU Coliseum, commemorating Jerry West. This statue served as a lasting tribute to his contributions.
2007: Retirement as Grizzlies General Manager
In 2007, Jerry West retired as the general manager of the Grizzlies and turned over managing duties to Chris Wallace. This concluded his stint with the Memphis franchise.
March 2008: Third Greatest Shooting Guard of All Time
In March 2008, ESPN voted Jerry West the third greatest shooting guard of all time. This recognized his impact and skill as a player in NBA history.
2010: Hall of Fame as a Member of 1960 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, recognizing his international contributions.
2010: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction
In 2010, The 1960 U.S. Olympic gold medal team, of which Jerry West was co-captain, was inducted as a unit 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 Staples Center at the Star Plaza in Los Angeles, California. This recognized his legacy and achievements with the Lakers.
May 19, 2011: Joined Golden State Warriors
On May 19, 2011, Jerry West joined the Golden State Warriors as an executive board member, reporting directly to the new owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber. This role also included a minority ownership stake in the team.
2011: Holds 12 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". The book became a New York Times bestseller and received critical acclaim.
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 title
In 2015, as a member of Golden State's front office, West was part of the team when the Warriors won a title.
2015: Warriors Championship
In 2015, the Golden State Warriors won their first championship in 40 years with Jerry West serving as a team executive. This championship marked the seventh earned by West in his executive career.
2016: Potential Clippers Move
During the 2016 season, Clippers coach Doc Rivers floated the idea of Jerry West joining the organization. This hinted at potential future changes in West's career path and alliances.
2016: Eighth Championship as an Executive
In the 2016-17 season, Jerry West earned his eighth championship while serving as a team executive. This further solidified his legacy as a successful executive in the NBA.
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 the opportunity did not materialize as they hired Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka. This marked a potential turning point in his career path.
2017: NBA Title as Consultant with Golden State Warriors
In 2017, Jerry West won an NBA title as a consultant with the Golden State Warriors.
2017: Golden State Warriors title
In 2017, as a member of Golden State's front office, West was part of the team when the Warriors won a title.
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. This marked one of the highest civilian honors he received.
2019: Jonnie West's Marriage to Michelle Wie
In 2019, Jerry West's son Jonnie, who played guard for West's college team, the West Virginia Mountaineers, married professional golfer Michelle Wie. Jonnie is the director of Basketball Operations for the Golden State Warriors.
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 filed by John Wilkes regarding the recruitment of Kawhi Leonard. This introduced a controversy during his tenure with the Clippers.
2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Jerry West was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
April 19, 2022: Demanded Retraction from HBO
On April 19, 2022, Jerry West demanded a retraction from HBO within two weeks for the "cruel" and "deliberately false" depiction of him in the series "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty". He was portrayed as a temperamental and foul-mouthed executive.
2022: Ranked Among Top 75 Players
In 2022, The Athletic ranked Jerry West as the 14th greatest player in NBA history as part of their top 75 players of all time, commemorating the NBA's 75th Anniversary. This highlighted his lasting impact on the league.
June 12, 2024: Jerry West's Death
On June 12, 2024, Jerry West, the celebrated basketball player and executive, passed away.
2024: 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. West became the first person to be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player and a contributor.
