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 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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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: 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."
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: 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.
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: 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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
2011: Holds 12 WVU All-Time Records
As of 2011, Jerry West holds 12 WVU all-time records.
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: 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.
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.
2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Jerry West was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
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.
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.
