Jerry West showcased his big game chops during the 1969 NBA Finals, becoming the first — and to date, only — player in league history to take home Finals MVP in a losing performance.

In an excerpt from his book about the epic 1969 Lakers-Celtics NBA Finals, the author offers a theory on the night that inspired the most famous logo in sports.

When the 1969 NBA Finals reached its final stage after six intense battles, both rivals—the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics—faced a crucial "do or die" game.. Amid the pressure, Bill ...

In the first year that the NBA Finals MVPaward was handed out, the trophy went to someone on the losing team. That player was Jerry West who averaged 37.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.4 assists per ...

The trio of Elgin Baylor, Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain was one that was nearly unstoppable once they all came together with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1969. NEWSLETTERS Emailed Daily.