Jerry West might be getting into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Corridor of Fame for a report third time, and his newest NBA election is for his work as a contributor to the sport, in keeping with sources.
West, 85, is the one particular person to be inducted into the NBA Corridor of Fame in three distinct roles. The West Virginia native was beforehand inducted as a participant (1979) and as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic workforce (2010).
The contributor election is for his work as a basic supervisor with the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies, alongside together with his time spent as a guide with the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers.
ESPN Sources: Jerry West has been elected into the Naismith Basketball Corridor of Fame as a contributor to the sport — his report third Corridor enshrinement. West has been beforehand inducted as a participant (1979) and member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic workforce (2010). pic.twitter.com/a1lbIEUX3L
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 3, 2024
In these roles, West gained eight championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2015, 2017) and was twice named NBA Government of the Yr (1995 with the Lakers, 2004 with the Grizzlies).
As a participant, West gained the 1972 NBA Finals with the Lakers in opposition to the New York Knicks. He additionally gained the 1969 NBA Finals MVP award versus the Boston Celtics.
West continues to be the one participant in NBA historical past to be named Finals MVP on the shedding workforce. Mr. Clutch retired as a 14-time All-Star and 12-time All-NBA member in 1974. West has 9 rings complete.
Jerry West facilitated the Los Angeles Lakers commerce for Kobe Bryant in 1996, coached workforce from 1976-1979
After all, there are 5 methods for an individual to make the Basketball Corridor of Fame: participant, contributor, coach, referee, and workforce member. West is in a league of his personal after checking off three of the 5.
The Lakers retired his No. 44 jersey in 1983. West additionally coached the Lakers from 1976-1979, main L.A. to a 145-101 report and three straight playoff appearances.
Moreover, West is basically credited for setting up the Lakers’ rosters all through the Nineteen Eighties and Nineties throughout his 18 seasons as basic supervisor. The Corridor of Famer’s most notable achievement is the well-known commerce that introduced Kobe Bryant to L.A. as nicely.
Congratulations to the brand legend and already 2x Corridor of Famer Jerry West for being elected into the Naismith Basketball Corridor of Fame for the third time as a contributor! 👏🏾
Thanks for drafting a thin child for Michigan State to the Lakers 45 years in the past – collectively, we gained 5… pic.twitter.com/LCPjyHsTcd
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 3, 2024
Bryant was chosen thirteenth total by the Charlotte Hornets within the 1996 NBA Draft out of Decrease Merion Excessive College. Black Mamba was then traded to the Lakers for Vlade Divac.
Jerry West spent six years with the Warriors and helped compose rosters that gained titles in 2015 and 2017 in opposition to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He additionally labored within the Grizzlies’ entrance workplace for 5 years.
In 2007, West retired because the Grizzlies basic supervisor and turned over managing duties to Chris Wallace.
Moreover, the previous 6-foot-3 guard was chosen to the thirty fifth, fiftieth, and seventy fifth NBA Anniversary Groups. West can be famously identified for uplifting the NBA’s present brand.