Jerry West was an American professional basketball player and coach who had a net worth of $50 million at the time of his death on June 12, 2024. His career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the NBA. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, he played guard for the Los Angeles Lakers and became a well-known figure on and off the court. His legacy includes numerous honors, including being named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history.
Early Life and College Achievement
Jerry West was born into a large family, the fifth of six children. His early life in Chelian, West Virginia, was marked by a significant personal loss when his older brother, David, was killed in the Korean War. This incident profoundly affected West, transforming him from an outgoing child into a more introverted person. Still, his passion for basketball flourished during his high school years at East Shore High School. Under the tutelage of coach Duke Shaver, West became an outstanding player and led his team to the 1956 state championship.
West's outstanding performance in high school attracted the attention of more than 60 colleges. He chose to stay closer to home and attend West Virginia University. His college career was nothing short of remarkable. As a freshman, he was part of an undefeated team. As a junior, he tied the NCAA record with 160 points in five tournament games and earned the title of Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. During his senior year, West set personal bests by averaging 29.3 points and 134 assists per game, finishing his collegiate career with 2,309 points and 1,240 rebounds.
Lakers Years
Jerry West was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1960 and his NBA career began when the team moved to Los Angeles. He quickly established himself as a key player and led the Lakers to the 1961 NBA playoffs in his rookie season. Over the next few years, West's scoring prowess and defensive prowess earned him numerous honors, including 12 All-NBA First and Second Team selections.
West was instrumental in building the Lakers into a formidable team known for its fierce rivalry with the Boston Celtics. Despite multiple appearances in the playoffs and Finals, the Lakers often struggled against the Celtics. However, West's individual performances were legendary, including setting an NBA record 46.3 points per game in the 1965 playoffs.
NBA iconic logo
Jerry West's silhouette is immortalized in the NBA logo, symbolizing his lasting impact on the game. The logo, which features his iconic dribbling pose, is recognized around the world and is a testament to his influence and legacy.
Career Highlights and Challenges
Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, Jerry West continued to perform well. The 1969-70 season was particularly noteworthy, his first season in which he led the league in points per game and was named to the All-Defensive First Team four times. One of the most memorable moments of his career came in the 1970 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks when West hit a 60-foot buzzer-beating shot, although the Lakers ultimately lost the series.
The peak of West's career came in the 1971-72 season, when the Lakers won a record 33 consecutive victories and won the NBA championship. West's contribution was crucial and he was named the 1972 All-Star Game MVP. He retired in 1974 as the Lakers' all-time scoring leader, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and determination.
Transitioning to coaching and management
After the player retired, Jerry West turned to coach and took charge of the Lakers for three seasons. During his tenure, he led the team to the playoffs every year and reached the Western Conference Finals in 1977. In this position, he made important contributions to the team's five NBA championships in the 1980s.
West’s senior career wasn’t limited to the Lakers. In 2002, he became the general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies and led the team to the playoffs for the first time. His success as an executive has earned him two NBA Executive of the Year awards. West later joined the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers as an executive board member and also contributed to their success.
personal life and legacy
Jerry West's personal life was marked by two marriages. He first married his college sweetheart, Martha Jane Kane, in 1960, with whom he had three sons: David, Mark and Michael. The couple divorced in 1976. Jerry West's family remained a constant source of support and strength throughout his life.
Jerry West's death on June 12, 2024 marked the end of an era in the NBA. His contributions as a player, coach and executive left an indelible mark on the game. West's legacy continues to inspire generations of basketball players and fans, cementing his status as one of the greatest figures in NBA history.