NBA fans were caught off guard to hear that former Los Angeles Lakers legend Jerry West passed away at the age of 86. To the younger fans who might not be aware, West is one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA, and even the face or frame that the NBA logo is based upon.
While fans who watched games back in the 1960s and 70s will know a great deal about West, the rest might not remember his accomplishments and deeds with the inevitable passage of time. With that being said, let us take a closer look at his career and his life.
Jerry West has more Finals points scored than LeBron James
Although LeBron James is considered by many to be the most accomplished player in the history of the NBA, it might surprise some fans to hear that the late Jerry West leads the all-time list for points scored in the NBA Finals. West has scored 1679 points in 9 Finals appearances compared to LeBron James’ 1562 in 10 trips to the Finals.
Hall of Famer Jerry West died this morning at 86 pic.twitter.com/mmnZ6nSS47
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 12, 2024
While they did play in very different eras of basketball, there is no way to dilute any credit that West is due. After all, he was listed at just 6’3 and significantly shorter and less athletic than the King James. Throughout his career in the NBA, West averaged an impressive 27 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists.
Upon hearing that Jerry West had passed away, several fans took to social media in order to pay tribute to the Los Angeles Lakers legend and recalled his impact on the league and the sport of basketball.
First bill Russell, then Walton, now this, the hoop pioneers will never be forgotten
— rip big23 (@fuccjesus) June 12, 2024
• 1972 NBA Champion
• 1969 NBA Finals MVP
• 14X All-Star
• 12X All-NBA
• NBA Finals points leader
• 8x NBA champ as an executive
• 2x NBA Executive of the Year
• NBA LogoRIP, Jerry West 👑 pic.twitter.com/OGzv5RyEDm
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) June 12, 2024
Some fans may know that West has won just 1 NBA championship in his 9 trips to the Finals. However, he has done something that is never going to occur again in the present or future.
Jerry West is also the first-ever Finals MVP from a losing team
The Finals MVP was a concept that was introduced in 1969. Until then, there was no individual award given to the best player in the Finals. West averaged a ridiculous 37.9 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.7 rebounds against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Although his team did not win, his play was so elite that he was the first and only player to win the Finals MVP award while being a part of the losing team.
RIP to the first-ever Finals MVP and only one from a losing team. RIP Logo!
— Franklin (@franklinisbored) June 12, 2024
After his career as a player ended, West became a part of the Los Angeles Lakers management and even played a pivotal role in bringing together Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. The duo won 3 championships consecutively and established the Lakers as a dynasty in the modern NBA. Although West did not have many titles to his name, his impact on and off the court will be remembered by fans forever.