Jerry West is truly one of the best front office people in the history of the NBA, much like he was as a player. West helped build two dynasties with the Los Angeles Lakers, made the Memphis Grizzlies relevant, and over the last few years, has contributed to making the Golden State Warriors the league’s best team.
West’s contract with the Warriors expires soon, and he has been open about his wish to return to the Lakers. Unfortunately, the Lakers brass had different ideas, and rumors soon began swirling about him meeting with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Now that the season is over, West will be coming back to Los Angeles, taking a special consultant role with the Clippers, according to Jack McCallum of Sports Illustrated:
After six years as a special consultant, Jerry West is leaving the Golden State Warriors to take a similar job with the Los Angeles Clippers, SI.com has learned. West, who turned 79 as the NBA Finals began, made his decision over the last couple of weeks.
This decision will certainly not stand well with many fans of the Lakers as West is one of the greatest to ever wear the purple and gold. However, with the Lakers deciding not to want him on board, and West reportedly desiring to return to Los Angeles, joining the Clippers makes sense for him.
Despite only being a consultant, West played a significant role in building up what looks to be a nearly unstoppable dynasty in Golden State. Kevin Durant mentioned a phone call with West as a major factor in his decision to join Golden State, and West was also known to be one of the major voices against trading away Klay Thompson when there were rumors about that possibility.
The Clippers have had more success over the last few years than ever in the history of their franchise but still have yet to make it to the Western Conference Finals. With Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and J.J. Redick all free agents this summer, they will have some major decisions to make.
Having West on board will help when the time comes for them. As for the Lakers, they will have to hope that passing on West won’t be something they regret in the future.