Jerry West biography, married, wife, karen west, stats, injury, salary, contract, fangraphs, nba, net worth

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<p>Jerry West is a retired American professional basketball player best known for his illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. Renowned for his clutch performances and his iconic silhouette featured in the NBA logo, West earned several nicknames reflecting his prowess, including “<a href="/biography/jerry-west">Mr. Clutch</a>,” “The Logo,” “<a href="/biography/jerry-west">Zeke from Cabin Creek</a>,” and “<a href="/biography/jerry-west">Mr. Outside</a>.”</p>

<h2>Early Life and Education</h2>

<p><a href="/biography/jerry-west">Jerry Alan West</a> was born on May 28, 1938, in Chelyan, West Virginia. He was the fifth of six children born to Howard West, an electrician in the coal mines, and Cecile West, a homemaker. The family lived modestly, and Jerry’s early years were marked by financial struggle and personal hardship.</p>

<p>As a child, Jerry was shy and introverted. His life changed dramatically when his older brother, David, was killed during the Korean War—an event that deeply affected him. Physically frail and frequently administered vitamin injections, Jerry was at first discouraged from sports. However, after becoming captivated by a basketball hoop attached to a neighbor's garage, he began obsessively practicing his shooting skills.</p>

<p>West attended East Bank High School in West Virginia, where he quickly gained recognition for his talent on the basketball court. He played from 1952 to 1956, becoming a standout athlete. He continued his basketball journey at West Virginia University, where he led the Mountaineers to the NCAA championship game in 1959 and was named the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCAA_Division_I_basketball_tournament_Most_Outstanding_Player">NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player</a>.</p>

<h2>NBA Career and Achievements</h2>

<p>Jerry West’s professional career stands among the most celebrated in NBA history. He played as a guard for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1960 to 1974. Over his 14-season NBA career, he was selected to the All-Star team 14 times and earned 10 All-NBA First Team selections, along with two All-NBA Second Team nods. In 1972, he won both the NBA Championship and was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP.</p>

<p>West became known for his exceptional scoring ability and tenacity under pressure. He held the record for the highest point average in a single playoff series, averaging 46.3 points per game. He also made the All-Defensive First Team four times once the award was introduced when he was already 32. West appeared in nine NBA Finals and, despite being on the losing side in 1969, was uniquely honored as the NBA Finals MVP—a distinction still unmatched.</p>

<p>In 1996, he was named one of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/50_Greatest_Players_in_NBA_History">50 Greatest Players in NBA History</a>, further sealing his legacy. After retiring as a player, partly due to physical wear and contractual tension with Lakers <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Kent_Cooke">owner</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Kent_Cooke">Jack Kent Cooke</a>, West served as head coach of the Lakers for three seasons from 1976 to 1979.</p>

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<h2>Post-Playing Career and NBA Executive Success</h2>

<p>Beyond his playing days, Jerry West became a highly respected NBA executive. He played major roles in assembling multiple championship teams, both as general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers and later as a consultant for other franchises, including the Golden State Warriors. His keen eye for talent and basketball acumen significantly influenced the modern NBA landscape.</p>

<h2>Personal Life</h2>

<p>West married his college sweetheart, Martha Jane Kane, in April 1960 in Morgantown, West Virginia. They had three sons: Michael, David, and Mark. The couple divorced in 1976. In 1978, he married Karen West, with whom he has two sons, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonnie_West">Jonnie</a> and Ryan. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonnie_West">Jonnie West</a> later became a basketball executive, following in his father's professional footsteps.</p>

<p>In January 2017, Jerry sustained a minor injury while attending a Golden State Warriors home game. Despite his age, he remains active and connected to the sport. As of recent estimates, West’s net worth is approximately $55 million. Although he is considered one of basketball’s greatest figures, his highest playing salary during his NBA career was around $90,000—a modest amount compared to modern contracts.</p>

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