The Los Angeles Lakers introduced on Tuesday they’ll honor the late Jerry West by carrying a commemorative No. 44 band on the left shoulder of their jerseys throughout the 2024-25 season, which ideas off towards the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 22.
The No. 2 general decide within the 1960 NBA Draft, West performed his complete 14-year profession with the Lakers, main the franchise to the 1971-72 NBA championship. He was additionally a 14-time All-Star, 12-time All-NBA choice and five-time All-Defensive Crew member.
West completed his profession with 25,192 factors, 6,238 assists and 5,366 rebounds and is the one participant to be named Finals MVP regardless of being on the dropping group, as he averaged 37.9 factors, 7.4 assists and 4.7 rebounds in a 4-3 collection loss to the Boston Celtics in 1968-69.
He was later a profitable coach and govt, teaching the Lakers from 1976-79 and spending time of their entrance workplace from 1979-2000, successful six championships and laying the inspiration for Los Angeles’ three-peat from 2000-02.
West, who handed away in June on the age of 86, was additionally the overall manger of the Memphis Grizzlies from 2002-07 and govt board member of the Golden State Warriors from 2011-17 and Los Angeles Clippers from 2017-24.
He gained two extra titles with the Warriors in 2014-15 and 2016-17, including to a resume that may noticed him inducted into the Naismith Basketball Corridor of Fame a file thrice, together with as a participant (1980), a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic group (2010) and as a contributor to the sport (2024).
The Lakers additionally plan to honor West, whose silhouette is the inspiration for the NBA iconic brand, throughout the season opener towards the Timberwolves with a fan giveaway that includes jerseys with West’s No. 44.