Career & Net Worth Of Jerry West

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Career & Net Worth Of Jerry West

Jerry West was a professional basketball player and executive, widely regarded as one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history.

Born on May 28, 1938, in Chelyan, West Virginia, he gained fame for his exceptional shooting ability and clutch performances, earning him the nickname “Mr. Clutch.”

West played his entire NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers from 1960 to 1974, where he became a 14-time All-Star and led the team to an NBA championship in 1972.

Early Life and Education

Jerry West is now at the age of 87, having been born on May 28, 1938, to Howard Stewart West and Cecile Sue West. He grew up in Chelyan, West Virginia, where he developed a passion for basketball during his childhood. West attended East Bank High School before playing college basketball at West Virginia University.

During his college career from 1956 to 1960, he led the Mountaineers to the NCAA Finals in 1959 and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. After graduating with a degree in physical education, West declared for the NBA Draft.

Personal Life

Jerry West married Karen West in 1978. He has three children: Mark and Ryan, who were married to Karen, and two daughters from a previous marriage. Throughout his life, West has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his high-profile career in basketball.

Career

West was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1960 NBA Draft. He played for the Lakers from 1960 to 1974, becoming one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA’s history.

Over his career, he averaged 27.0 points per game and was named to the All-NBA First Team numerous times. Despite making nine NBA Finals appearances, he won only one championship with the Lakers in 1972.

After retiring as a player, West transitioned into an executive role with various teams, including serving as general manager for the Lakers and later for the Memphis Grizzlies. His keen eye for talent helped shape successful teams and contributed to his legacy in basketball.

Awards

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (1980)

NBA Champion (1972)

14× NBA All-Star (1961–1974)

NBA Finals MVP (1969)

All-NBA First Team selections (1968–1974)

Net worth

Jerry West was a multimillionaire who accumulated a whooping net worth of about $200 million from a successful athletic career.

Death

Died June 12, 2024.

Controversy

Both accolades and challenges marked Jerry West’s career. Despite being one of the most talented players of his era, he faced criticism for not winning more championships during his playing days; making nine Finals appearances but securing only one title led some to label him as “unlucky.” This narrative often overshadowed his achievements and contributions to the game.