What year did Jerry West retire? This question often comes up when discussing the legendary NBA player and his storied career. Jerry West, known for his exceptional scoring ability and leadership, retired from professional basketball in 1980 after a remarkable 14-year tenure in the league.
Jerry West’s retirement marked the end of an era for the Los Angeles Lakers, a team he had been a cornerstone of since being drafted in 1960. West’s career was filled with numerous accolades and achievements, making him one of the greatest players in NBA history.
During his time with the Lakers, West won two NBA championships in 1972 and 1980. He was also named an NBA All-Star 14 times, and he was the recipient of the NBA MVP award in 1970 and 1971. West’s scoring ability was unparalleled, as he averaged 27.0 points per game over his career, which is still one of the highest averages in NBA history.
After his playing career, Jerry West transitioned into a role as a front-office executive, where he continued to make a significant impact on the sport. He served as the general manager of the Lakers from 1982 to 1984 and later became the team’s president of basketball operations from 1994 to 2000. West’s contributions to the sport have been recognized with numerous honors, including being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980.
In summary, what year did Jerry West retire? The answer is 1980, but his legacy and impact on the sport of basketball continue to be felt to this day. West’s scoring prowess, leadership, and dedication to the game have made him a legend, and his retirement marked the end of an incredible career that will be remembered for generations to come.
