How many rings does Jerry West have?

Having led the Lakers to an astounding eight NBA Finals, how many Championship rings has Jerry West won during his career?


How many rings does Jerry West have?

Jerry West (NBA)

An all-time great, Jerry West has been one of the best players of his generation. Having led the Los Angeles Lakers to an astounding eight NBA Finals, West had long cemented his legacy in purple and gold. So exactly how many NBA championship rings has Jerry West won during his stellar career? 

Zeke from Cabin Creek, as he was belovedly known, dominated the NBA courts for an illustrious 14 seasons in the league. During his time with the Lakers, West played eight NBA Finals, even winning the Finals MVP in 1969. Mr. Outsider remains the only player in history to have won the Finals MVP in spite of losing the title series. 

Even the official emblem of the NBA was inspired by the silhouette of Jerry West that portrayed both ‘grace and movement’. A legendary guard and one of the greatest players to have donned the gold and purple, West is beloved among fans even today. His spectacular play-off performances serve as inspirational reference points for generations of youngsters. So, how many rings has Jerry West won in his NBA career?

FS Video
YouTube video
Player nameJerry Alan West
BornChelyan, West Virginia, US May 28, 1938
Rings countOne
Ring years1972
Teams he won rings withLos Angeles Lakers 
Drafted year1960
Drafted byMinneapolis Lakers/ Los Angeles Lakers

Also Read: Shaquille O’Neal’s finals appearances: How many NBA Finals has the legend been to?

How many rings does Jerry West have?

Jerry West rings
Los Angeles Lakers’ Jerry West (AP)

Jerry West has won only one NBA Championship ring with the Los Angeles Lakers. It was the first Championship of the franchise since they relocated to LA from Minneapolis. Although West made eight finals during his NBA career, he only clinched one Championship title with his team. Often criticized for his poor Finals win record, Jerry’s spectacular playoff numbers are unjustly overlooked. 

What years did Jerry West win his rings?

Jerry West
The Logo (usa today sports)

Jerry West won his first and only Championship ring of his career in 1972 when the Los Angeles Lakers beat the New York Knicks 4-1 in five games. Jerry made back-to-back Finals against the Boston Celtics in 1962 and 1963, followed by another two consecutive Finals defeats at the hands of the Celtics in 1965 and 1966.

Unfortunately for West, his team faced the Boston Celtics twice more in the 1968 and 1969 Finals, losing both. Jerry, however, won his first Finals MVP in 1969 for his fantastic display throughout the seven-game series. The Lakers lost the 1972 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, preceded by their title loss in 1970, followed by another loss in the 1973 Finals.

1972: Only Title in Eight Finals 

Jerry West
Zeke from Cabin Creek (NBA)

Jerry West and the Lakers made it to the 1972 NBA Finals, where they were set to face the New York Knicks. West and Co were bent on avenging the title with the wounds of the 1970 Finals loss still in memory. Despite Jerry’s crucial moment plays during their previous faceoff with the Knicks, the Lakers had lost the 1970 Finals in a fateful seven games.

This time, however, the outcomes would be different, and West would embrace the most awaited Championship title. Mr. Clutch played an integral part in the five-game series, averaging 19.8 points, 8.8 assists, and 4.0 rebounds. With Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West at the helm, the Lakers lifted their sixth Championship title in franchise history, beating the Knicks. 

YouTube video

Who has more rings, Jerry West or Oscar Robertson?

Oscar Robertson and jerry west
Jerry West and Oscar Robertson (AP)

Both Jerry West and Oscar Robertson have won one Championship ring each during their NBA career. Robertson won his first and only Championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971.

In case you missed: