A Father’s Day Story: Ryan and Jerry West

By Seth Rubinroit

Father’s Day is the annual holiday that encourages families to reflect and celebrate the accomplishments of the father. However, few things make Lakers legend Jerry West more proud than to talk about his son, Ryan.

Lakers fans are very familiar with Jerry West. West is commonly known as “Mr. Clutch” for his ability to sink key shots, and “The Logo” because his silhouette was used to design the NBA logo. West was named an NBA All-Star fourteen-times, won an Olympic Gold Medal in 1960, helped the Lakers win the NBA championship in 1972, and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980. His #44 jersey was retired by the Lakers, and hangs in the rafters at Staples Center. After he retired, he became a general manager, winning the NBA Executive of the Year Award with both the Lakers and the Grizzlies.

While West was the General Manager of the Grizzlies, he had the opportunity to work with his son, Ryan, who is a scout for the Grizzlies.

“I think any father is proud of their son regardless of what they decide to do, but with [Ryan] being involved with the Memphis team, it was fun for him and for me,” Jerry West said.

Life was not always so pleasant for Jerry and Ryan. Growing up, Ryan struggled to escape the shadow cast by his famous father.

“Obviously, your life is different growing up. A lot of people look at you a different way, and expect a lot of things from you,” Ryan West said. “People are always tugging at you, wanting something from you all the time. Growing up, it was kind of difficult dealing with those things.”

In order to prepare his son for life, Jerry was stern with his son.

“I think the most important thing in a household is to make sure the kids know you love them, to give them guidance, and more importantly discipline,” Jerry West said. “Without those things in life, you are probably not going to have very good opportunities to succeed.”

While they worked together for the Grizzlies, Ryan gained a greater appreciation and respect for his father.

“My dad is the best dad I could ever hope for. I would not trade anything that he has done, or has not done, for any other dad. He has been perfect,” Ryan West said. “I cannot thank him enough for everything he has done for me. He has always been there for me, supporting me. He has been a fantastic father.”

Since these interviews with Ryan and Jerry West, Jerry retired from basketball altogether, becoming the executive director of the PGA Tour’s Northern Trust Open. To honor his father,
Ryan makes sure that he is always wearing something with the NBA logo on it, even if it is just a pair of socks.

Unlike Ryan, we cannot wear clothes decorated with the silhouette of our father, but we can make sure in other ways that our fathers know we appreciate them on their special day.