Jerry West: The Logo of the NBA

Hall of Famer and NBA legend Jerry West, who inspired the silhouette in the NBA logo, passed away at the age of 86. Nick Wright honored West with an impromptu history lesson during Episode 242 of What's Wright?

Jerry West, whose silhouette adorns the NBA logo, was more than just a basketball player. He was a pioneer, a champion, and a basketball icon whose impact on the game extended far beyond his retirement from playing.

West spent his entire playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a 14-time All-Star, a champion in 1972, and the NBA Finals MVP in 1969 despite not winning the title. West's on-court accomplishments were matched by his exceptional statistics: 27 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game. Only Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Elgin Baylor had higher career averages among retired players.

Following his playing career, West became a legendary front office executive. He was the head coach of the Lakers from 1976 to 1979 and was credited with building the Showtime-era Lakers of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy. West was also responsible for acquiring Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, two key pieces of the Lakers' three championships in the 1990s.

West's front-office genius extended beyond the Lakers. He helped rebuild the Memphis Grizzlies from 2002 to 2007 and later became an executive board member with the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors won their first championship in 2015, the start of a dynasty led by Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. In 2017, West joined the Los Angeles Clippers and built the team into a perennial contender.

West's contributions to the NBA were recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019. He will be remembered as a true basketball icon, whose legacy on the court and in the front office will be forever remembered.

Jerry West's legacy extends far beyond his playing career. As a front office executive, he was a master builder, responsible for assembling some of the most successful teams in NBA history.

West's first major move as Lakers general manager was to acquire Magic Johnson in 1979. Johnson would become the face of the Showtime Lakers and lead the team to five championships. In 1982, West traded for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, another Hall of Famer and one of the greatest centers in NBA history.

West's most daring acquisition was undoubtedly Kobe Bryant. In 1996, he traded Vlade Divac to the Charlotte Hornets for the 17-year-old Bryant. Bryant would become one of the greatest players in Lakers history, leading the team to five championships.

West also lured Shaquille O'Neal to the Lakers in 1996. O'Neal was a dominant force inside, and together with Bryant, they formed one of the most unstoppable duos in NBA history. The Lakers won three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002.

West's front office success continued with the Warriors and Clippers. He helped the Warriors build the foundation for their dynasty and was instrumental in the Clippers' transformation into a title contender.

West's legacy as a builder is unmatched in NBA history. He assembled some of the most iconic teams ever, and his impact on the game will be felt for generations to come.

Jerry West's accomplishments on and off the court are truly remarkable. He was an exceptional player, a legendary front office executive, and a true basketball icon.

West's on-court accolades speak for themselves: 14-time All-Star, champion in 1972, NBA Finals MVP in 1969. His statistics are equally impressive, averaging 27 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game.

As a front office executive, West was a master builder. He assembled the Showtime Lakers, acquired Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, and helped lay the foundation for the Warriors' dynasty. His impact on the game extended far beyond his own teams, as he was instrumental in the growth and popularity of the NBA.

West's legacy is one of excellence. He was a fierce competitor on the court and a brilliant strategist off the court. He was a true basketball pioneer, whose contributions to the game will never be forgotten.