Who Is On The NBA Logo
The man immortalized in the NBA logo is none other than Jerry West, a legendary basketball player from the Los Angeles Lakers.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) logo is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world of sports. Introduced in 1969, the logo has remained largely unchanged for over five decades, with only a slight refinement of the color palette in 2017. The logo features a white silhouette of a basketball player against a blue and red background, the colors of the US flag. But who is the player depicted in this iconic logo?
The Man Behind the Silhouette: Jerry West
The man immortalized in the NBA logo is none other than Jerry West, a legendary basketball player from the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his dynamic playing style and ability to captivate fans, West's silhouette was chosen by designer Alan Siegel as it perfectly captured the essence of the sport.
West had an illustrious career with the Lakers, making numerous All-Star appearances and earning the distinction of being the only player to win the Finals MVP award without becoming champion. After his playing career, West transitioned into coaching, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
The Creation of the NBA Logo
The creation of the NBA logo was a result of the rivalry between the American Basketball Association and its newly-created rival, the American Basketball Association. Siegel found a photo of West that seemed to encapsulate the fluid, fast-paced nature of the game. Using this photo, he created a solid white silhouette of West and placed it against a red and blue background, forming the logo we still see today.
Despite the clear resemblance, the NBA has never officially acknowledged that West is the player depicted in the logo. However, Siegel has recently begun to openly state that the silhouette on the logo is indeed West's.
Controversies and Calls for Change
While the NBA logo has remained consistent for over half a century, there have been calls for change. Following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant in 2020, there was a movement to replace the Jerry West silhouette with one of Bryant as a tribute to the late player. However, the NBA has remained steadfast in its decision to keep the original logo.
Even West himself has suggested that other players like Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Michael Jordan, or LeBron James might be better suited for the logo. Despite these suggestions, the NBA has shown little willingness to alter its iconic image.
The Legacy of the NBA Logo
The NBA logo is more than just a symbol; it's a representation of the sport's history and the players who have shaped it. Jerry West's silhouette serves as a reminder of his contributions to the game and his enduring legacy in the world of basketball. Despite controversies and calls for change, the NBA logo remains a timeless symbol of the sport we all love.