Knowra Jerry West Jerry West Jerry West (1938–2024) was an American basketball player and executive whose entire NBA playing career was with the Los Angeles Lakers. His silhouette inspired the NBA logo.
Elgin Baylor : Elgin Baylor was an American basketball player who starred for the Minneapolis and Los Angeles Lakers from 1958 to 1971. Baylor was West’s teammate on the Lakers during their repeated NBA Finals appearances.
1969 NBA Finals : The 1969 NBA Finals matched the Boston Celtics against the Los Angeles Lakers, with Boston winning in seven games. West earned Finals Most Valuable Player despite the Lakers losing the series.
Basketball point guard : A point guard is a basketball player who organizes offense, advances the ball, and often creates scoring chances for teammates. West played primarily as a guard, combining ball handling with unusually strong scoring.
NBA logo : The NBA logo is the league’s red, white, and blue emblem featuring a player dribbling a basketball. The logo’s silhouette was modeled on a photograph of West, though the NBA has not officially named him as its subject.
Wilt Chamberlain : Wilt Chamberlain was an American basketball center known for exceptional scoring, rebounding, and physical dominance. Chamberlain joined West and Baylor on the Lakers team that won the 1972 NBA championship.
1970 NBA Finals : The 1970 NBA Finals matched the Los Angeles Lakers against the New York Knicks, who won the series in seven games. West’s 60-foot buzzer-beater in Game 3 became one of the Finals’ defining moments.
Jump shot : A jump shot is a basketball shot released while the shooter is airborne. West’s reliable jump shot made him a prolific scorer from midrange and long distance.
Los Angeles Lakers : The Los Angeles Lakers are an NBA team based in Los Angeles, California, with a long record of championships and star players. West spent his entire NBA playing career with the franchise and later helped lead it as an executive.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar : Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was an American basketball center whose career included six NBA championships and six Most Valuable Player awards. As Lakers general manager, West helped bring Abdul-Jabbar to Los Angeles in 1975.
1972 NBA Finals : The 1972 NBA Finals matched the Los Angeles Lakers against the New York Knicks, with Los Angeles winning in five games. West won his first NBA championship after years of Lakers Finals defeats.
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