Along with being known as “Mr. Clutch” and a Los Angeles Lakers legend, Jerry West is also known as “The Logo” with his silhouette being what is used for the NBA logo. Although this would be an honor for many, West is flattered but would prefer the league change it.
West went on ESPN’s The Jump on Friday and said the league should be embarrassed by the fact that his silhouette is the NBA’s logo. He also said he wishes the league would change it, via ESPN:
“Again, it’s flattering. But if I were the NBA I would be embarrassed about it. I really would. I don’t like to do anything to call attention to myself, and when people say that, it’s just not who I am, period. If they would want to change it, I wish they would. In many ways I wish they would.”
Back in 2015, West said Michael Jordan would be his pick to replace as the NBA logo. Although it would be safe to assume that most would make the same selection, it seems highly unlikely the league would go with a rebrand of their famous logo which has been around since 1969.
West may be widely known for being the silhouette behind the NBA logo, but the former NBA superstar had quite the career during his playing days with the Lakers. He led the Lakers to the team’s first title in Los Angeles alongside fellow superstar Wilt Chamberlain in 1972 and was named an All-Star 14 times while earning the distinction of being one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
As if West’s resume during his playing days wasn’t impressive enough, he continued his successful off the floor in the Lakers front office. West helped put together Magic Johnson’s Showtime squad that won five titles and the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O’Neal duo that won three straight championships in Los Angeles. West also went on to have success with the Memphis Grizzlies as a general manager and is currently an executive board member of the Golden State Warriors.