“Neither LeBron James nor Jerry West, Elgin Baylor has the most NBA Finals losses”: The Logo and the Lakers wouldn’t win their first NBA title until Mr. Inside retired in 1972

Bill Russell winning 11 championships with his Boston Celtics might have indicated it was easier back in the day but ask Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, and they will say otherwise.

Over the years people have heavily criticized LeBron James for losing six out of ten NBA Finals he has been in, more than praising him for winning four Championships against some of the best teams in the history of the game.

But that is us. People thrive on negativity much easier than anything else. We, as human beings, find it easier to critique someone than praise them when all our lives most of us are hungry for compliments and appreciation more than anything else.

If you look at how many times The Logo, Jerry West and his compadre Elgin Baylor missed out on their opportunity to win it all, falling just a step short, you’ll know how tough it is to compete for the biggest trophy in the biggest basketball stage of the world.

Also read: “Only stat sheet Michael Jordan wanted to see was his turnovers, missed free throws, and fouls”: Celebrity trainer Tim Grover reveals the success mantra of the Bulls legend

Elgin Baylor lost 7/7 NBA Finals in his career, Jerry West was able to win his first after Baylor retired

The no.1 draft pick of the 1958 class, Baylor retired from the NBA back in 1972 after playing 14 seasons in the league and establishing himself as one of the game’s greatest. He was a gifted shooter, a strong rebounder, and an accomplished passer, who was famous for his trademark hanging jump shot.

Kobe on Elgin Baylor’s game pic.twitter.com/UZFIHb4dzu

— Kobe & Gianna Bryant Murals (@kobemurals) March 22, 2021

The 6’5 forward averaged well over 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists and made it to 11 All-Star and 11 All-NBA First teams. Granted he played most of his career against Bill Russell’s unbelievably dominant Celtics, but he was not the only superstar in his Lakers team.

The Purple and Gold also had Jerry West at the point guard position who is also one of the greatest players of the game and has been part of NBA’s 35th, 50th, and 75th-anniversary teams alongside Baylor.

But it was not until Elgin retired when the Lakers and West won their first NBA title having failed to do so 7 times after reaching the Finals. Credits to a Redditor for getting our attention to it.

Also read: Have Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson! Jesus Christ can coach, they’re gonna lose”: LeBron James discusses the impact of culture with Manchester United star Marcus Rashford

About the author

Akash Murty

An Electrical and Electronics Engineer by degree, Akash Murty is an NBA Editor at The SportsRush. Previously a Software Engineer, Murty couldn’t keep himself away from sports, and his knack for writing and putting his opinion forward brought him to the TSR. A big Soccer enthusiast, his interest in basketball developed late, as he got access to a hoop for the first time at 17. Following this, he started watching basketball at the 2012 Olympics, which transitioned to NBA, and he became a fan of the game as he watched LeBron James dominate the league. Him being an avid learner of the game and ritually following the league for around a decade, he now writes articles ranging from throwbacks, and live game reports, to gossip. LA Lakers are his favourite basketball team, while Chelsea has his heart in football. He also likes travelling, reading fiction, and sometimes cooking.

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