Why Jerry West is the most important Lakers figure of all time

Jerry West is as synonymous with the Los Angeles Lakers as purple and gold itself.

The tragic news of West’s passing on Wednesday at 86 offers an important reminder of West’s legendary run with the franchise. There is no Lakers lore without West. He was there nearly every (successful) step of the way as a player, coach, scout and executive. He is a Los Angeles icon who bridges multiple eras of Lakers championships, superstars and history.

West may not have won as many titles as a player as Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Adbul-Jabbar or Shaquille O’Neal. He may not be as popular or as revered among younger generations. But he was just as essential, if not more, in building the Lakers into one of sports’ most historic and glamorous franchises.