Lakers Season Countdown: 44 days, Jerry West

We're getting ready for a brand new season of Los Angeles Lakers basketball, so to count down the days we'll be looking at the best Lakers to wear the number. We'll continue at 44 days until the regular season begins, with "The Logo".

Who wore it the best: Jerry West

(Credit: Wire Image, Getty Images)

Jerry West was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers with the 2nd overall pick in the 1960 draft. Although drafted by Minneapolis, Jerry would never play there, as the Lakers had relocated to Los Angeles in the 1960 offseason. Jerry played 14 years in the NBA, all with the Lakers. He was selected to the All-Star team every year as well. Although Jerry would lead the Lakers to the NBA Finals 8 times in his 14 year career, he only managed to win 1 championship in1972.

Jerry earned many nicknames throughout his playing career. When legendary Lakers announcer Chick Hearn started calling games in 1965, he dubbed Jerry "Zeke from Cabin Creek". As Jerry's career rolled on, he was also called "Mr Outside". His teammate Elgin Baylor was often called "Mr Inside". And although the NBA is reluctant to admit it, when they changed their logo in 1969, it had a canny resemblance to several of Jerry West's pictures. Hence, he earned the nickname "The Logo'. Jerry was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1983. That same year, the Lakers retired his jersey number.

Who wore it last: Jerry West

Nobody will ever wear this number again, as the Lakers have retired it. It will forever sit in the rafters at Staples Center.

#44 - Who has worn it:

Chuck Share (1960)

Jerry West (1961-1974)