Chaz Lanier Named a Finalist for the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award: A Deep Dive into His Remarkable Season
Chaz Lanier, one of the most exciting and electrifying shooting guards in the NBA, has been named a finalist for the prestigious Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award. This recognition is a significant milestone in Lanier’s career and highlights his exceptional performances during the 2024-2025 NBA season. Being named a finalist for this award not only acknowledges his individual achievements but also solidifies his place as one of the league’s top players. This article delves into the significance of this recognition, the specifics of Lanier’s standout season, and his journey to becoming one of the premier shooting guards in the NBA.
The Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award: An Overview
Before examining Lanier’s achievements, it’s important to understand the prestige of the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award. Established in the 2018-19 NBA season, the Jerry West Award honors the league’s best shooting guard, named after Jerry West, one of the most iconic players in NBA history. West, often regarded as one of the greatest shooting guards of all time, played his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers and earned a reputation for clutch performances, scoring ability, and leadership on the court. This award celebrates those attributes, with emphasis placed on scoring, versatility, defense, and leadership.
The Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award is one of the most coveted individual honors for players at this position. Winning this award is a testament to a player’s overall impact on the court and the ability to be a game-changer for their team. In just a few short years, the award has become one of the premier recognitions for a shooting guard, adding to the legacy of one of basketball’s true legends.
Chaz Lanier’s 2024-2025 Season: A Breakout Year
Lanier’s nomination as a finalist for the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award follows a season of remarkable consistency and growth. Known for his scoring, athleticism, and competitive spirit, Lanier has taken his game to new heights during the 2024-2025 campaign. From the beginning of the season, it was clear that Lanier was playing at an MVP-caliber level, and his performance throughout the year reinforced that sentiment.
Offensive Excellence
One of the most notable aspects of Lanier’s game is his ability to score. This season, Lanier has averaged over 26 points per game, a career-high, placing him among the top scorers in the league. His offensive skill set is as versatile as it is deadly. Lanier can score in virtually every way imaginable — from deep three-pointers, to mid-range jump shots, to explosive finishes at the rim. He has shown an uncanny ability to score in isolation, using his combination of size, speed, and ball-handling skills to create his own shot.
What makes Lanier particularly dangerous is his three-point shooting. Lanier is hitting over 40% of his three-pointers this season, which not only places him in elite company but also forces defenders to respect his perimeter game at all times. This shooting efficiency, combined with his ability to drive to the basket, makes him an unpredictable and difficult player to guard.
In addition to his scoring, Lanier has developed into a strong playmaker, averaging over 5 assists per game. His ability to distribute the ball, especially in transition and in pick-and-roll situations, has made him more than just a scorer — he’s become a complete offensive weapon. This evolution in his game has made him a key figure in his team’s offensive schemes and has elevated his status as one of the top shooting guards in the league.
Defensive Improvements
While Lanier’s offensive game has always been a standout, his defense has significantly improved this season, further strengthening his candidacy for the Jerry West Award. In previous years, Lanier’s defensive abilities were sometimes questioned, but he has worked tirelessly to become a more complete player. His defensive prowess has been a critical factor in his team’s success this year, as he has developed into a reliable perimeter defender.
Lanier is averaging over 1.5 steals per game this season, and he has shown the ability to guard multiple positions on the floor. His length, athleticism, and anticipation allow him to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots effectively. He’s also proven himself to be a tenacious on-ball defender, capable of locking down opposing shooting guards and even small forwards in certain matchups. This growth on the defensive end has made him a more well-rounded player and has helped his team in key moments, especially during clutch situations.
Leadership and Clutch Play
Another hallmark of Lanier’s season has been his leadership on and off the court. As one of the most talented players on his team, Lanier has taken on a larger leadership role, guiding his team through adversity and helping them stay focused in high-pressure situations. His leadership extends beyond just his play on the court; he sets the tone with his work ethic, commitment to winning, and ability to motivate his teammates.
Lanier’s clutch performances have become a defining characteristic of his game. Throughout the season, he has consistently delivered in key moments, whether it’s hitting a game-winning shot, making an important defensive stop, or creating opportunities for his teammates. These moments have drawn comparisons to the very player for whom the award is named — Jerry West, a player renowned for his clutch gene. Lanier’s ability to rise to the occasion when the game is on the line has been a key factor in his team’s success, and it is an attribute that sets him apart from other shooting guards in the league.
Impact on Winning
Ultimately, the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award is not only about individual stats but about how a player impacts winning. Lanier’s ability to elevate his team has been evident throughout the season. His scoring has been a major catalyst for his team’s success, but it’s his all-around game, including his leadership and defense, that has truly helped his team contend for the top spots in the standings. His impact has been felt on both ends of the floor, and he has played a pivotal role in the team’s championship aspirations.
His team has seen a noticeable improvement this season, thanks in large part to his elevated play. Lanier’s ability to contribute in every phase of the game — scoring, defense, playmaking — has made his team one of the most well-rounded squads in the league. This success is a direct reflection of his growth as a player and his unwavering commitment to improving in all areas of the game.
The Competition: Other Finalists for the Jerry West Award
While Lanier’s candidacy for the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award is strong, he faces stiff competition from some of the league’s best shooting guards. The finalists for the award include notable players such as Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell, Klay Thompson, and Anthony Edwards. Each of these players has had an outstanding season and brings unique qualities to the table.
- Devin Booker: Known for his incredible scoring ability and clutch performances, Booker remains one of the top shooting guards in the league. He has consistently been a dominant offensive force for his team and is a serious contender for the award.
- Donovan Mitchell: Mitchell has continued to excel as one of the top scoring guards in the NBA. His explosive scoring and ability to take over games have made him one of the most dangerous players in the league.
- Klay Thompson: Thompson, one of the best shooters in NBA history, has continued to be a key part of the Golden State Warriors’ success. His sharpshooting and defensive abilities keep him in the conversation for the award.
- Anthony Edwards: Edwards has emerged as one of the most exciting young players in the league. His scoring ability and athleticism make him a constant threat on the floor.
While all of these players have had fantastic seasons, Lanier’s well-rounded game, coupled with his leadership and impact on winning, sets him apart from the rest of the competition.
Lanier’s Future in the NBA
Chaz Lanier’s recognition as a finalist for the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award is a testament to his growth as a player. His all-around game, improved defense, and leadership have made him one of the top shooting guards in the NBA today. This season is just the beginning for Lanier, and his future in the NBA looks incredibly bright.
As he continues to develop and refine his skills, Lanier has the potential to be a perennial finalist for this award. His combination of scoring, defense, and leadership puts him in a position to challenge for the top honors in the league for years to come. If he can maintain this level of play and continue to elevate his game, it’s only a matter of time before Lanier becomes a multiple-time winner of the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award.
