Lakers to Pay Tribute to Jerry West with No. 44 Uniform Band
The Los Angeles Lakers have announced their plans to pay tribute to the late Jerry West in the upcoming season. West, a legendary figure in Lakers history, passed away in June at the age of 86. To honor his legacy, the Lakers will feature a special uniform band on their jerseys, showcasing West’s iconic No. 44.
The distinctive purple band, positioned on the left shoulder of the Lakers’ uniforms, prominently displays the number 44 in gold at its center. Jerry West, known as “Mr. Clutch,” had an illustrious 14-year NBA career with the Lakers, solidifying his status as one of the greatest scorers and most versatile guards of his era. Throughout his career, West accumulated an impressive 14 All-Star selections.
Following his playing days, West transitioned into coaching and executive roles with the Lakers. He played a pivotal role in assembling the renowned “Showtime” roster of the 1980s, which featured basketball icons Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Under West’s guidance, the Lakers clinched five NBA championships and made nine appearances in the NBA Finals over a span of 12 years.
West’s influence extended into the next era of Lakers dominance, where he played a key role in acquiring superstar talents like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. His contributions were instrumental in shaping the Lakers’ success in the early 2000s. The Lakers will further commemorate West’s legacy with a formal ceremony at their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22.
In addition to honoring Jerry West, the Lakers have confirmed their intention to retire Michael Cooper’s No. 21 jersey on January 13. Cooper, a standout shooting guard during the Lakers’ Showtime era, was recently inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The Lakers have a tradition of retiring the jerseys of players who have received this prestigious honor.
Jerry West’s impact on the Lakers organization and the sport of basketball as a whole is undeniable. His legacy will continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans, players, and the entire basketball community for generations to come.