The Los Angeles Lakers declared on Tuesday that through the 2024–2025 NBA season, they will wear a No. 44 jersey band in remembrance of the late great Jerry West.

The band, which will be worn on the left shoulder, is a tribute to West’s No. 44 jersey, which he wore for the whole of his 14-year NBA career while playing for the Lakers.

The band will honour “the significant contributions West made to the organisation as a player and executive across three decades,” the Lakers have said. In addition, the organisation plans to honour West by giving away No. 44 jerseys to supporters during their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers selected West with the second overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft. In addition to appearing in every NBA All-Star game during his tenure with the team, he won an NBA championship in 1972. In addition, West was named MVP of the NBA Finals in 1969, making him the only player in league history to receive the award while playing poorly.

After retiring in 1974, West remained working for the organization and ended up taking the head coaching duties in 1976. He led the franchise to a 145–101 record and three playoff appearances in three seasons before stepping down.

West then spent three years as a scout for the Lakers and later took over as the general manager in 1979. He remained at the position through the 1999-00 season, helping the LA team to win six NBA championships.