West Virginia legend Jerry West was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for the third time in three different categories this past week, solidifying his status as one of the greatest contributors to the game.
West’s journey to the Hall of Fame began over six decades ago when he played his final game as a Mountaineer in 1960, scoring 37 points and leading his team to victory. From there, he went on to have a legendary career with the Los Angeles Lakers, earning a spot on many Top 10 NBA players of all-time lists.
After retiring as a player, West transitioned into coaching and eventually became the general manager of the Lakers. He was the architect of the team’s 1980s dynasty and later signed Shaquille O’Neal and traded for Kobe Bryant, leading to three consecutive championships in the early 2000s.
Even after leaving the Lakers, West remained active in the basketball world, serving as team president for the Memphis Grizzlies and later becoming an advisor to the Warriors and Clippers. At 85 years old, West continues to be a respected figure in the sport, with a legacy that spans multiple Hall of Fame categories.
With this latest induction, Jerry West’s impact on the game of basketball is undeniable, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for generations to come.