LeBron James Makes a Bold Prediction About Lakers Legend Jerry West

Legends hyping legends is uncommon in the NBA. However, LeBron James is the exception. Recently, James tweeted his acknowledgement about former league star Jerry West’s performance if he were to play in today’s times.

LeBron James on that Jerry West hype

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James responded to @SLAMonline’s throwback post showing Jerry West in his element. The online sports media called West a ‘bucket’ and asked viewers,

“How many points is Jerry West averaging in today’s NBA?”

The comment section was divided between those who gave West an average of around 25 and those who felt that the game had evolved a lot since he last played. However, LeBron James laid out what he thought would be West’s stats if he were to play in the league now.

Amongst praise for the now 81-year-old former Laker, LeBron revealed that Jerry West would average around 24 points and 8 assists per game, to say the least.

To put these statistics in perspective, when he ended his career in the NBA he averaged 27.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists. West was in the All-Star team all the 14 years he was in the NBA.

West won the Finals MVP Award in 1969, even though the Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics. He averaged 37.9 points and 7.4 assists in that game. His only championship with the Lakers came in 1972 when the Purple and Gold defeated the New York Knicks.

The NBA community also knew Jerry West as Mr.Clutch. His ability to remain steadfast and score well in under pressure situations owed to the establishment of this nickname.

Mr. Clutch was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980. After retirement, West coached the Lakers for three seasons. Then, he became a scout before he becoming the team’s general manager. He helped the Lakers clinch six NBA championships as an executive.

Also, for those who don’t know, West is apparently the silhouette on the NBA’s logo! The designer of the logo, Alan Siegel, told the L.A. Times, “It’s Jerry West”. However, the league has never officially admitted it, probably so they don’t have to pay West any royalties. Just saying.