Jerry West's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Jerry West. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

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.

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: 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.

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 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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

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: 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: 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.

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.

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: NBA 50th Anniversary Team Selection

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

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: 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.

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.

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.

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: West Earns Eighth Championship

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

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.

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.

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.