Lakers to Honor NBA Legend with Jersey Patch During 2024-25 NBA Season

The basketball world was dealt a devastating blow earlier this year when NBA legend Jerry West passed away at the age of 86 in June. The former 1969 Finals MVP helped revolutionize the game both on and off the court, leaving a legacy that will continue to be celebrated decades from now. He left such major legacy that he became the model of the NBA logo that we know today.

While some players will suit up for a variety of teams throughout their careers, West's entire 14-year run as a player was spent with the Los Angeles Lakers. Ensuring that West receives every flower he deserves, the Lakers have announced that they'll wear a commemorative patch in his honor throughout the 2024-25 NBA season.

Lakers players will don a patch of West's iconic No. 44 on the left shoulder of their jerseys this season. The 14-time All-Star's number was retired by the franchise back in 1983, just four years after he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Not every former player's number gets turned into a jersey patch when they pass; however, West is one of those who deserves it. The former West Virginia product was one of the best guards during his time in the NBA, amassing over 25,000 points with more than 6,200 assists and 5,300 rebounds in 932 regular-season games.

While West was known for his impressive offensive displays, he was also one of the Lakers' best defenders throughout his tenure. The franchise's all-time scorer earned five NBA All-Defensive team appearances and likely would've been a Defensive Player of the Year candidate had he not retired before the award was introduced in 1982-83.

After an impressive Hall-of-Fame playing career, West took over as the Lakers' head coach from 1976 to 1979. He then held a scouting job for a few years before being named the general manager ahead of the 1982-83 campaign, resulting in Los Angeles winning six championships across the following 21 seasons.

Lakers fans can also thank West for his role in bringing several franchise favorites to the City of Angels. Both Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neill were brought in when he was at the helm, as well as legendary head coach Phil Jackson.

West's time in the Lakers' front office ended in 2000, but that didn't stop him from spending the rest of his life around basketball. He served as the Memphis Grizzlies GM from 2002 to 2007 before becoming an executive for the Golden State Warriors in 2011, winning his ninth and 10th championships in a non-player role along the way.

West looked to return to the Lakers in 2017, however, there wasn't any interest on the team's side . But instead of opting to enjoy retirement, the East Bank, WV native joined the rival LA Clippers as a consultant and held the role until his unfortunate passing.

Even though the Lakers and West were unable to reconcile, it's nice to know that the franchise is doing the right thing by honoring the all-time great.

NBA fans will likely have their first opportunity to check out the No. 44 jersey patch when Los Angeles opens the 2024-25 preseason against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, October 4.