SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — On Sunday, Jerry West achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first individual ever to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame three times.
This prestigious honor, which was awarded posthumously following his passing in June at the age of 86, recognized West’s extensive contributions to basketball, particularly highlighting his pivotal role in securing eight championships for the Los Angeles Lakers as an executive.
During the ceremony at Symphony Hall, West’s son Jonnie expressed the profound impact his father had on the sport. “Contributor to the game of basketball, that is you in every single sense and that will live on forever,” he stated, while veteran Lakers legends like Magic Johnson and James Worthy, along with coach Pat Riley, shared the stage.
Jerry West had previously been inducted into the Hall of Fame for his exceptional playing career with the Lakers and again in 2010 as a member of the celebrated 1960 U.S. Olympic team that clinched the gold medal.
In addition to West’s historic induction, Michael Cooper, another Lakers great, also received the honor as part of a distinguished 13-member class that included basketball stars Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups.
