This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/30/2023
Known as “The Logo” with his image immortalized as the player silhouetted on the NBA logo, Basketball legend Jerry West was the first player drafted by the Lakers after they relocated to Los Angeles. Also called Mr. Clutch for all the pressure filled clutch and spectacular shots he would make, West would star for the Lakers for 14 seasons, winning a Championship in 1972 and taking home the first NBA Finals MVP Award in 1969. A member of both the College and NBA Hall of Fame, West became a Lakers coach for a short time after his playing days and on to what many widely consider one of the greatest GM’s in basketball history.
Simply stated this is the finest photo portrait ever taken of West. This image is also one of the first and earliest known Laker photos as it was taken in the pre-season of 1960. Of special note to card collectors is the fact that this photo was taken during the photo-shoot for both his 1960 Kahn’s Wieners and 1961 Fleer rookie cards. Some consider his Kahn’s card his rookie due to the earlier date which over the years has gone up in tremendous value but nobody can dispute the value and popularity of the 1961 Fleer set with West being one of the key cards in it. Measuring 8 x 10, the image is in overall beautiful condition. The black background used makes the picture of West stand out almost 3D like with tremendous clarity. There is slight wear towards the lower left corner for the sake of accuracy purposes that does not impact the photo in any way. The reverse carries the original later dated caption slug along with several date stamps and the residue of removed caption slugs. This image is stunning in every possible way! The photograph his been encapsulated and graded Type 1 Authentic by PSA and a Resolution LOA.