The Los Angeles team’s number 44 inspired the logo of the most prestigious basketball league in the world, in addition to being the champion in 1972.
Jerry West, Los Angeles Lakers legend and the man who inspired the NBA logo, dies at 86. He currently manages basketball-related operations for the Los Angeles Clippers, a franchise where he holds an executive role with general manager Trent Redden’s team.
The number two pick in the 1960 draft, he played 14 seasons in the NBA – all with the Lakers – and played in 9 finals, although he could only win in 1972. During his stay in the league, He was present at every All-StarHe was also part of the ideal quintet for twelve years, and another five in the defensive team.
A member of the Hall of Fame as a player, West is part of a select group of seven players to reach nine finals or more. Although he lost most of them, he achieved a historic feat that has never been repeated: in 1969 he was the MVP (best player) of the Finals over the loss against the Boston Celtics.. In that series, the point guard averaged 37.9 points, 7.4 assists and 4.7 rebounds, in addition to scoring the third highest in the Playoffs so far with 53 points.
With the famous photo taken by Wen Roberts, 44 of Lagoon people This became the NBA logo in the late 1960s. Designer Alan Siegel chose the image of the American because of his iconic posture and the elegant composition captured by the photographer.
Jerry West, legend as a player and as an executive
In addition to his outstanding playing career, West was a coach and manager of several NBA teams. As an executive, he participated in two of the most memorable dynasties in league history. In the 2000s, he was part of the Lakers leadership that won three consecutive championships (00, 01 and 02), joining Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’neal. A few years later, from 2011 to 2016, he was in charge of the Golden State Warriors, who became champions in 2015, 2017 and 2018.
He currently works with the Lakers’ longtime rival. With the Clippers, while he wouldn’t win championships or play in the finals, he was the ideologist of the franchise’s most ambitious move in years, trading away Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and seven draft picks for Paul George, which he added. the team’s superstar, Kawhi Leonard.
In the 70s, he coached the Lakers, and in the three seasons he coached he was able to qualify for the Playoffs. After sitting on the bench, he moved into the offices and became the team’s general manager. In that role, he chose Pat Riley (after the failure of Paul Westhead in 1980), who accepted the job on the condition that West join him on the bench for the first few games. Finally, Riley was a franchise champion in 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988, in addition to reaching the Finals in 1983, 1984 and 1989.
The records of Jerry West, the legend of the Los Angeles Lakers
As a player and as an executive, the NBA logo is among the best in history. Find out what their most famous records are.
- Champion in 1972.
- The only Finals MVP who was part of the losing team.
- He was part of the All-Star in all the seasons he played (14).
- Nine finals were played.
- Highest scoring average in a Playoff series (46.3 points).
- Title of top scorer and top assister in different seasons.
- Twelve-time part of the NBA ideal team.
- Five-time part of the NBA defensive team.
- Twice elected best NBA Executive.
- He won eight rings at the head of NBA team management.
Source: Tycsports
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