Jerry West

Jerry West was one of the most complete guards in NBA history and a lifelong symbol of excellence for the Los Angeles Lakers. Known as “Mr. Clutch” for his late-game heroics, his silhouette famously inspired the NBA logo.

Key Achievements

• NBA Champion (1972)
• 14× NBA All-Star
• 10× All-NBA First Team
• NBA All-Defensive First Team (4×)
• NBA Finals MVP (1969 – only player to win on the losing team)
• Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1980)
• NBA 75th Anniversary Team member

College Career

West starred at West Virginia University, leading the Mountaineers to the 1959 NCAA championship game and earning Most Outstanding Player honors for the tournament.

Career Stats (NBA)

• Games: 932
• Points per game: 27.0
• Assists per game: 6.7
• Rebounds per game: 5.8

Off the Court

After retiring as a player, West became a legendary executive, building multiple championship rosters for the Lakers and later the Warriors and Clippers. His basketball IQ shaped decades of NBA success.