Lakers to Pay Tribute to NBA Legend Jerry West with No. 44 Jersey Patch
The Los Angeles Lakers have announced that they will pay tribute to basketball legend Jerry West during the entire 2024-25 season by featuring a jersey patch bearing his iconic No. 44. This gesture serves as a fitting homage to West, who had a profound impact on the Lakers organization.
Jerry West, a revered figure in the world of basketball, passed away in June at the age of 86. He left behind a legacy that resonates deeply within the sport. Known as the inspiration for the NBA’s logo, West enjoyed a stellar career as a player, coach, and executive. During his 14 seasons with the Lakers, he consistently showcased his talent, earning All-Star status each season and averaging an impressive 27 points per game. West played a pivotal role in leading the Lakers to a championship in 1972 and was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1969, despite the team’s loss in that series. His remarkable achievements culminated in his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980.
Transitioning to the coaching realm, West spent three seasons at the helm of the Lakers before transitioning to a front office role. It was during this period that he orchestrated the creation of the iconic “Showtime” Lakers, a team that clinched five championships in the 1980s. West’s influence extended beyond his playing days, as he masterminded the construction of championship-winning teams around basketball luminaries such as Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, who secured three consecutive titles from 2000 to 2002.
In addition to his tenure with the Lakers, West also made significant contributions to other NBA franchises. He served in the front office of the Memphis Grizzlies and held positions as a board member with the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers. Notably, West will be immortalized in the basketball realm once again as he becomes the first individual to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in both player and contributor capacities. His remarkable achievements were further recognized when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.
Following West’s passing, the NBA and the Lakers have continued to honor his memory through various tributes. At the Summer League games in July, the league reserved a commemorative courtside seat in his honor. Moreover, teams like the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks paid homage to West before Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The Lakers have announced plans to further celebrate West’s legacy by hosting a special jersey giveaway at their season opener in October, underscoring the enduring impact of a basketball icon whose influence transcends generations.