The Lakers will wear jerseys with a No. 44 shoulder patch for the new season to honor the late legend West

September 11 news, the Los Angeles Lakers officially announced that during the 2024-25 season, the team will wear jerseys sewn with a No. 44 shoulder patch in memory of Jerry West. West was a Lakers legend who served the team as both a player and executive; he passed away in June at the age of 86.

West’s passing has shaken the entire league, as he was the model for the current NBA logo.

In the 1960 NBA Draft, the Lakers selected West with the second pick overall. He spent his entire Hall of Fame career, spanning 14 seasons, with the Lakers. His accomplishments include winning the 1972 NBA championship, being named NBA Finals MVP in 1969 (despite the team losing the series), leading the league in scoring and assists, making the All-NBA Team twelve times, and the All-Defensive Team five times. Over his career, West averaged 27.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game, shooting 47.4% from the field.

After retiring, West continued to contribute to the Lakers, serving as head coach for three years during which the team made the playoffs three times and reached the Western Conference Finals. He then moved into management and became the team’s general manager in 1982.

During his time in management, the team won six championships, and by bringing together Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, he helped establish another dynasty for the Lakers.

After leaving the Lakers, West also served as general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies and held positions within the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers organizations. During his time with the Warriors, he played a role in building the trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.

There is a statue of West outside the Lakers’ home arena, and on October 22, during their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team will present West’s jersey to honor his life. The players will also wear jerseys with the No. 44 as a tribute to him.