Last Updated on June 20, 2025 by Mat Diekhake

Here is a detailed table of Jerry West’s NBA Finals opponents, with columns for year, opponent, result, and notes:

Year Opponent Result Notes
1962 Boston Celtics Celtics won 4–3 First Finals appearance; lost in OT of Game 7
1963 Boston Celtics Celtics won 4–2 Second straight Finals loss to Boston
1965 Boston Celtics Celtics won 4–1 West averaged 33.8 PPG; Celtics too dominant
1966 Boston Celtics Celtics won 4–3 Celtics won final title of Russell era; Lakers lost Game 7 at home
1968 Boston Celtics Celtics won 4–2 Another Finals loss to Boston; West averaged 31.3 PPG
1969 Boston Celtics Celtics won 4–3 West named Finals MVP despite loss (only time this happened)
1970 New York Knicks Knicks won 4–3 Willis Reed’s inspirational Game 7 return; Knicks won title
1972 New York Knicks Lakers won 4–1 West’s only championship; part of 69-win Lakers team
1973 New York Knicks Knicks won 4–1 West’s final Finals; Knicks avenged 1972 loss

Summary:

  • Finals appearances: 9
  • Championships won: 1 (1972)
  • Finals record: 1–8
  • Finals MVP awards: 1 (1969, in a losing effort)
  • Frequent opponents: Boston Celtics (6 times), New York Knicks (3 times)
  • Team: Los Angeles Lakers (throughout career)