On a very crisp, Thursday night before All-Star Weekend, the NBA Logo Jerry West was to be honored in the form of statue at Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles before mass media, several current & former players, fans, and NBA Commissioner David Stern. Many legends were in attendance for this ceremony that included, former Celtic Bill Russell, Wayne Gretzky, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Pat Riley, Jeanie Buss, Elgin Baylor, and Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss were all greeted with a warm welcome by the fans.
KCBS Sports Director & anchor Jim Hill was the master of ceremony, hearing kind words being said by Magic Johnson "Please enjoy this moment, because you deserve it". An somewhat emotional West looked on as a video message was shown from Kobe Bryant "nobody deserves it more than you. Thanks alot, and we'll see you soon", along with a video of West's son Jonnie who couldn't attend due to him playing basketball at West Virginia.
Commissioner Stern said a few words, calling West by his famous nick name "Mr. Clutch", sharing the sentiment of the Lakers organization, friends, and fans, by saying " Jerry we love you".
It was finally time for the man of the hour Jerry West took the stage, with a feeling he called "awkward". West said " When I look around, some of the I've been around as athletes, even some I've competed against, I really thank you". "When I played, I played for my teammates, and the fans of Los Angeles". To which the fans erupted in a loud roar of claps & cheers. West who is the face of the league, a 14 time All-Star and responsible for bringing the Los Angeles Lakers its first title.
It was now time for the unveiling, as West's family, friends, former players gathered around him, "Mr. Clutch" pulled the gold rope which removed the black tarp covering the statue. West looked very touched and amazed by the statue of his likeness.
It was a great night for Lakers fans, basketball fans, the NBA, and the city of Los Angeles, for honoring a great iconic figure in Jerry West. He will never be forgotten, but forever immortalized outside one the greatest arenas in sports, along side Magic Johnson, Wayne Gretzky, Oscar De La Hoya and the great Chick Hearn.
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