West died at 86 years old, one of his NBA wishes remained unfulfilled
Jerry West devoted his life to basketball, earning recognition as the inspiration behind the NBA’s iconic logo. Throughout his career, he was not only a prolific scorer, averaging 27 points per game, but also a successful executive, securing eight championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.
West passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86. Despite his remarkable achievements, he is most famously known as “the logo,” a title that both honored and discomforted him. This logo was introduced in 1969, near the end of his playing career.
West’s Stunning Admission About the NBA Logo He Inspired
During a 2017 appearance on ESPN’s “The Jump,” West expressed his unease with being identified as the NBA’s logo. He shared:
“I wish that had never gotten out that I’m the logo. I’ve said it more than once, and it was flattering that’s me.” West reflected on his era, noting, “I played in a time when they first started to try to market the league. There were five people that they were gonna consider. But I don’t like to do anything to call attention to myself.”
In recent years, West hoped NBA Commissioner Adam Silver would consider a new logo. That is said to be one of his last wishes, however, the NBA’s branding has become so established that there has been little interest in changing it.
With the news of West’s passing, there might be a renewed consideration to honor his wishes and redesign the logo, paying tribute to his lasting impact on the game.
