47 The Creative Mastermind Of Iconic Brand Imagery
The National Basketball Association’s emblem, a dynamic tri-color depiction of a basketball player in mid-dribble, has become an emblematic symbol of the sport. Yet, there’s an intriguing backstory that’s often whispered but never officially acknowledged: the silhouette is believed to be inspired by none other than Jerry West, the legendary Lakers guard. Despite the league’s steadfast denial, a cursory glance at the image alongside West in action—easily found via a Google search—reveals a striking resemblance.
Crafted in 1969, the logo was intended to represent an “anonymous” athlete, which means that West, now in his 80s and serving as an executive board member for the LA Clippers, has never been compensated for his inadvertent role in the branding. Not that it’s a sore point for the successful basketball icon; West’s career and contributions to the sport extend far beyond the silhouette that so many associate with the NBA’s identity..