THE The Los Angeles Lakers are paying tribute to the “Logo” with a special addition to their jerseys for the upcoming season.
THE Lakers will wear a commemorative No. 44 stripe on the left side of their home and away jerseys for the 2024-25 season in honor of NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West.
West died last June at the age of 86.
West was a former NBA champion and 14-time NBA All-Star, and was inducted into both Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame as a player.
He is the only player in history to win the NBA Finals MVP award in a losing effort, winning the award in 1969. He would finally reach the pinnacle three years later, winning his one and only championship as a player in 1972.
But he arguably left a bigger mark on the game through his longtime work as an NBA executive for the Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers.
West is a two-time NBA Executive of the Year award winner and has led eight NBA championship teams, including six with the Lakers.
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Even those unfamiliar with West’s career have likely witnessed his indelible legacy. The NBA’s official logo, which depicts a player in an upright position dribbling with his left hand, is universally considered to be inspired by West, earning him his famous nickname.
The league, however, has never officially confirmed the connection.
In addition to the season-long celebration of his life, the Lakers will also host a Jerry West jersey giveaway during their Oct. 22 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers have announced a series of fan giveaways and special celebrations that will take place at home games this upcoming season. The full list is below:
Date |
Opponent |
Celebration |
Contest for fans |
---|---|---|---|
October 22 |
Minnesota |
In tribute to Jerry West |
West 44 jersey |
October 26 |
Sacramento |
LGBTQ+ Pride |
Pride Crossbody Bag |
November 10 |
Toronto |
Veterans Night presented by Pechanga |
Lakers Pechanga Camo Cap |
November 13 |
Memphis |
Lakers Collectible Pin Set |
|
November 21 |
Orlando |
City of Los Angeles |
City Edition Inspired Socks |
December 8th |
Portland |
Greetings from Los Angeles Postcard Set |
|
December 23 |
Detroit |
Lakers Holiday Sweater |
|
January 3 |
Atlanta |
Lakers License Plate Frame |
|
January 13 |
San Antonio |
Michael Cooper’s jersey retired |
Cooper 21 Jersey |
January 21 |
Washington |
Dr. Jerry Buss |
Lakers Collectible Pin Set |
February 8th |
Indiana |
Mental Health Awareness |
Lakers Water Bottle Holder |
February 11 |
Utah |
As part of the Paint local art program |
To be announced |
February 27 |
Minnesota |
Girls and Dads Night Out |
To be announced |
March 4th |
New Orleans |
Purple and gold luggage strap |
|
March 22 |
Chicago |
Sneakerhead Sneaker Bag |
|
March 31 |
Houston |
Collectible Pin Set |
|
April 4th |
New Orleans |
Sneakerhead Laces |
|
April 11 |
Houston |
Fan Appreciation |
Lakers Tote Bag |
This season, the Lakers will also honor former owner Jerry Buss and officially retire the number of five-time NBA champion Michael Cooper.
The team will also have a new jersey sponsor this season, Korean food brand Bibigo. It will be the first time in NBA history that a jersey will feature Korean characters, the team said.
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