Profession: NBA Guard
Biography: Played his entire professional NBA career for the Los Angeles Lakers, from 1960-74.
West was nicknamed "Mr. Clutch" for his ability to make a big play in a clutch situation, such as his famous buzzer-beating 60-foot shot that tied Game 3 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, which the Lakers would end up winning. His silhouette is used in the league's official logo.
After his playing career he served as coach of the Lakers for three seasons, and then as general manager of the team, winning 6 NBA championships.
He later served in am executive capacity for the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors (winning two more championships), and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Born: May 28, 1938
Birthplace: Chelyan, West Virginia, USA
Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Tiger
Star Sign: Gemini
Married Life
- 1960-04-10 NBA guard Jerry West (21) weds his college sweetheart Martha Kane in Morgantown, West Virginia; divorce in 1976
- 1978-05-28 American NBA legend Jerry West (40) weds second wife, American cheerleader Karen Bua
Historical Events
- 1959-03-21 21st NCAA Men's Basketball Championship: California beats West Virginia, 71-70; WV future Hall of Fame point guard Jerry West is named MOP
- 1969-04-23 LA Lakers guard Jerry West scores 53 points in 120-118 NBA Finals Game 1 win over Boston Celtics at the LA Forum
- 1972-01-18 22nd NBA All-Star Game, The Forum, Inglewood, Ca: West beats East, 112-110: MVP: Jerry West, LA Lakers, G, hits a last-second, 20-foot game-winning jumper
- 1974-10-03 Future Basketball Hall of Fame guard Jerry West (“Mr. Clutch”) retires after 14 NBA seasons with the LA Lakers; West has 25,192 career points; averages 29.1 ppg in 153 playoff games
- 2000-08-07 Los Angeles Lakers announce retirement of former star player and Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Jerry West; name Mitch Kupchak to succeed him
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