Back in 2022, Jerry West stated, “One disappointing thing is that my relationship with the Lakers is horrible.” The man behind the legendary years of the Los Angeles Lakers, who is often credited with recognizing talents like Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, passed away this year. Apart from the creation of the duo, he won a ring as a player, before becoming the GM during the iconic Showtime era. So, in honor now, the Purple and Gold seem to have found the perfect way to pay respect to ‘the Logo’.

“Lakers will honor the late great Jerry West aka The Logo with a commemorative No. 44 on the team’s jerseys during the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season:” Ryan Ward wrote on X. Back in 1969, West, though not became the influence behind the NBA’s logo.

Even the consultant Alan Siegel, who created the logo, claimed it was based on Jerry West. But the league never claimed it officially. Regardless, the Lakers are making sure to involve him and keep reminding people of his contribution.

A few months ago, Paul George urged the league to retire the #44 league-wide, the honor currently only Celtics legend Bill Russell has received.

Winning  8 championships as an executive and 2 of them were with the Warriors. The Lakers legend personally endorsed the signing of Klay Thompson, who was successful as Splash Brothers alongside Stephen Curry. He once even threatened to quit if Thompson would have been traded, that’s how committed he was towards his role. Ultimately, this could have been the reason for his relationship with the Lakers turning sour.

Jerry West and his tumultuous relationship with Jeanie Buss

Literally and figuratively, the revered figure in the entire NBA revealed in 2022 that his season tickets were revoked. Speaking to the Athletic, Jerry West explained that his wife received a “cold” text and there was no courtesy call. To make matters worse, the tickets were promised to him by none other than Dr. Jerry Buss.

In 2021, Jeanie Buss made a statement of 5 Lakers great and the pillars of the organization. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Phil Jackson, and LeBron James were part of the list. Obviously, Jerry West was not happy and said, “one of the most offensive things I’ve ever heard in my life.”

West also wondered if he had dedicated similar efforts to any other franchise, would he have been respected more? Even though the franchise couldn’t solve the issue directly back then, the steps to amend the relationship have been started. But one can’t forget to notice if the measures would have been taken before, this would have made for an even sweeter farewell.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”