Lasting Legacy of Jerry West: A Look at the Influence on History

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 11, 2026

How the contributions of Jerry West continue to shape the world today.

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.

Sections (6)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

1983: Lakers Retired Jersey No. 44

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

1990: Induction into the National High School Hall of Fame

In 1990, Jerry West was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame.

1996: NBA 50th Anniversary Team Selection

In 1996, Jerry West was named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.

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: "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".

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.

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.

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.

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.