Jerry West Quotes
- Basketball player
- USA
- 1938
Jerry West is an American basketball executive and former player. He is a 14-time NBA All-Star, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. He was the inspiration for the NBA logo, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980. West won an NBA…Read More
Jerry West is an American basketball executive and former player. He is a 14-time NBA All-Star, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. He was the inspiration for the NBA logo, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980. West won an NBA championship as a player with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1972, and was a key member of the team that won five championships between 1980 and 1988. He also served as the Lakers’ head coach and general manager, and was the general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies from 2002 to 2007. West is also a two-time recipient of the NBA Executive of the Year Award.Read Less
Jerry West is an American basketball executive and former player. He is a 14-time NBA All-Star, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. He was the inspiration for the NBA logo, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980. West won an NBA championship as a player with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1972, and was a key member of the team that won five championships between 1980 and 1988. He also served as the Lakers’ head coach and general manager, and was the general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies from 2002 to 2007. West is also a two-time recipient of the NBA Executive of the Year Award.
Jerry West Career Highlights
- West played his entire 14-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, from 1960 to 1974.
- He was selected as an All-Star 14 times and was named the All-Star Game MVP in 1972.
- West was a member of the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic basketball team in 1960.
- He led the Lakers to the NBA Finals nine times, winning the championship in 1972.
- West was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1969, despite being on the losing team.
- He was a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection and a two-time NBA scoring champion.
- West retired as the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer with 25,192 points.
- In 1980, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Key Contributions by Jerry West
- West revolutionized the game with his unorthodox shooting style, known as the “West Virginia Mountaineer jump shot,” which involved jumping off the wrong foot.
- He was known for his incredible work ethic and dedication to the game, often practicing for hours on end to perfect his skills.
- West was a versatile player, excelling in both offense and defense. He was known for his quickness, agility, and ability to score from anywhere on the court.
- As a coach, West led the Lakers to the NBA Finals three times and was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1995.
- He also served as the general manager for the Lakers and helped build the team that won five NBA championships in the 1980s.
What Sets Jerry West Apart
- West’s competitive drive and determination set him apart from other players. He was known for his intense focus and mental toughness, which allowed him to perform at a high level in pressure situations.
- He was a true leader on and off the court, serving as a mentor to younger players and setting a positive example for his teammates.
- West’s impact on the game of basketball goes beyond his on-court achievements. He has been instrumental in shaping the NBA as we know it today, serving as a consultant for various teams and helping to develop the league’s salary cap system.
Takeaways
- Jerry West’s career is a testament to hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, he never gave up and continued to push himself to be the best.
- His contributions to the game of basketball have been recognized and celebrated by fans, players, and coaches alike. He is a true legend of the sport and will always be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
- West’s legacy extends beyond his playing days, as he continues to be involved in the NBA and remains a respected figure in the basketball community. His impact will be felt for generations to come.