The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Tuesday that they will honor their late legend Jerry West with a No. 44 jersey band through the 2024-25 NBA season.
The band, which will be located on the left shoulder, is a nod to West’s No. 44 jersey, which he donned during his 14 years in the NBA, all of which he spent with the Lakers.
According to the Lakers, the band will recognize “the significant contributions West made to the organization as a player and executive across three decades.”
The team also intends to honor West in their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves by handing out West’s No. 44 jerseys to fans.
West was drafted by the Lakers in 1960 with the second overall pick. During his time with the franchise, he won an NBA title in 1972 while making the All-Star game in each season in the NBA. Additionally, West won NBA Finals MVP honors in 1969, remaining the only player to get the honor in a losing effort in league history.
After retiring in 1974, West remained working for the organization and ended up taking the head coaching duties in 1976. He led the franchise to a 145–101 record and three playoff appearances in three seasons before stepping down.
West then spent three years as a scout for the Lakers and later took over as the general manager in 1979. He remained at the position through the 1999-00 season, helping the LA team to win six NBA championships.
