Jerry West Silhouette Logo
The silhouette of a legend that defines the league and the purple-and-gold dynasty.
The Jerry West Silhouette Logo is the iconic emblem of the Los Angeles Lakers and one of the most recognizable symbols in all of sports history. Created in 1969 by graphic designer Alan Siegel, it depicts a red, white, and blue silhouette of Hall of Famer Jerry West dribbling up the court, capturing the essence of motion and elegance. While officially adopted as the NBA's logo to represent the league as a whole, it remains inextricably linked to the Lakers' identity, serving as a visual shorthand for the franchise's legacy of excellence.
- Subject
- Jerry West
- Position
- Shooting Guard / Point Guard
- Era Depicted
- 1960s (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Designer
- Alan Siegel
- Year Adopted
- 1969
- Significance
- NBA Official Logo & Lakers Heritage Symbol
Lore & Background
For the Lakers organization, this silhouette transcends its role as a league marker; it is a badge of honor representing the 'Showtime' era and the championship traditions established by West, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson. The logo's enduring presence on jerseys, arena walls, and merchandise serves as a constant reminder that the franchise was built on the foundation of West's relentless drive. It symbolizes the 'Mr. Clutch' mentality that permeates the team's culture, where every possession matters and greatness is expected.
In Their Own Story
The arena lights dimmed, leaving only the polished hardwood glowing under the spotlights. On the center court mural, the red, white, and blue figure stood frozen in time—a ghost of motion forever dribbling toward an unseen hoop. A young fan traced the curve of the silhouette with his eyes, feeling the weight of history pressing down on the silence. In that stillness, he could almost hear the roar of the Forum crowd from decades past: the squeak of sneakers on waxed wood, the rhythmic thud of a ball, and the swish of a net as West drove through the defense, defining an era before the name 'Lakers' was even painted in gold.
Reader's Guide
For Lakers supporters, the Jerry West logo is more than just branding; it is a cultural touchstone that bridges generations. When fans wear jerseys featuring this silhouette, they are not merely displaying a team name but invoking a specific standard of excellence. The image represents the transition from the Minneapolis days to the Los Angeles dynasty, anchoring the franchise's identity in the skill and determination of its greatest early star.
This symbol is central to game-day rituals at Crypto.com Arena. Before tip-off, the logo is often projected onto the court or illuminated on the jumbotron, signaling the start of a contest where history is made. It serves as a silent command to every player stepping onto that floor: you are walking in the footsteps of West, tasked with upholding a legacy that demands nothing less than championship contention.
The logo also fosters a unique, almost proprietary connection between the league and the team. While it belongs to the NBA, Lakers fans view it as their own—a claim validated by the fact that the subject was a Laker. It creates an atmosphere where the team's history is synonymous with the sport itself. For the faithful, seeing this silhouette isn't just about recognition; it is a promise of entertainment, resilience, and the eternal pursuit of the title.
Did You Know?
- Jerry West is the only NBA player to have his likeness used as the official logo of the league, though he never officially posed for it.
- The original photograph was taken by Wen Roberts in 1968 at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.
- Despite its ubiquity, Jerry West has stated in interviews that he feels somewhat uncomfortable with the fame the logo brings him personally compared to his on-court achievements.
- Alan Siegel created the logo for $400 (plus expenses) in 1969, a fee that would be worth significantly more today.