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Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Lakers Rumors: Team Won’t Bring Jerry West Back Despite His Interest
Lakers News

Lakers Rumors: Team Won’t Bring Jerry West Back Despite His Interest

Corey Hansford
Published: 04/19/2017
2 Min Read
Jerry-west
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Very few people have been as instrumental to the success of the Los Angeles Lakers throughout the franchise’s history as Jerry West. After bringing a championship to Los Angeles as a player, West transitioned to the front office, working as a scout before becoming the Lakers general manager.

Not only did he help to build the ‘Showtime’ Lakers, but he also signed Shaquille O’Neal and drafted Kobe Bryant, helping to set up another three-peat from 2000-2002.

With the new Lakers front office taking shape under the guise of president of basketball operations Magic Johnson, there were some rumblings about bringing West in as a consultant. According to Mark Heisler, West is interested in a return, but the Lakers aren’t interested in bringing him in:

“These days the Lakers don’t even do no-brainers, like inviting Jerry West back in a consultant’s role like the one he has with the Warriors. A Lakers insider told me it’s not happening … even though the Lakers are aware West would love to be asked back.

The reason cited isn’t much different than what Jim Buss felt: They don’t think they need West.”

It is somewhat surprising that the Lakers wouldn’t be interested in hiring West considering his track record and pedigree. In addition to his work with the Lakers, West helped build the Memphis Grizzlies into a perennial contender, and now as a consultant for the Golden State Warriors, his voice still holds plenty of weight. Kevin Durant even credited West with helping to convince him to sign last summer.

The fact that West is reportedly interested in a return would seem to make this an easy decision, but the Lakers clearly believe they have everything under control with Magic and general manager Rob Pelinka. This offseason will be the first big test as to what they are capable of.

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TAGGED:Jerry WestLos Angeles LakersMagic Johnson
ByCorey Hansford
Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.
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