Jerry West, Inspiration for NBA Logo, Dies at 86
Legendary Lakers Player and Executive Passed Away
Legendary Los Angeles Lakers player and executive Jerry West, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86, was the inspiration for the NBA's iconic logo.
The NBA's logo, which features a silhouette of a player dribbling a basketball, has been used by the league since 1969. However, it was not until 2010 that the league officially acknowledged that West was the model for the logo.
Stern's Denial
Although many people had long suspected that West was the inspiration for the logo, the NBA had refused to confirm it for decades. In 2010, then-NBA commissioner David Stern admitted the truth to the Los Angeles Times.
Despite Stern's admission, the NBA has never officially confirmed that West is the player depicted in the logo. However, the league has acknowledged that West was a "major influence" on the design of the logo.
Legacy of Jerry West
West, who was a 14-time NBA All-Star and a Finals MVP, was one of the most successful players in NBA history. He led the Lakers to nine NBA championships, including five as a player and four as a general manager.
After retiring from playing, West became a successful executive with the Lakers and later with the Memphis Grizzlies. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980.
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