Jerry West, one of the most important figures in NBA history, had a long and successful career as a player and an executive with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, despite his many contributions to the franchise, West’s relationship with the Lakers strained over time, leading him to regret his connection with the team.
West played for the Lakers for 14 years, helping them win the NBA championship in 1972. He was known for his all-around game, averaging 27.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game. A 14-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, West also played a major role in shaping the Lakers’ winning culture. After retiring, he returned as an executive, helping the team win two more championships in the 1980s and 2000s.
However, Jerry West’s relationship with the Lakers began to sour after he left. In a 2019 ESPN interview, he said, “I almost wish that I had never played or worked for them.” While he didn’t regret his personal achievements, he felt mistreated, especially in the later years of his career.
West’s issues with the Lakers started in the late 1990s when he recommended Phil Jackson as head coach. The decision caused tension due to Jackson’s romantic relationship with Jeanie Buss, the Lakers’ future owner. This friction ultimately led to West leaving the team in 2000.
Jerry West’s Strained Relationship With The Lakers Despite Lasting Legacy
Even after leaving, West hoped for reconciliation. In 2017, after the Lakers fired Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak, West thought the team might reach out to him. However, they hired Rob Pelinka instead and made no real efforts to mend their relationship.
A painful moment occurred in 2019 when the Lakers fired West’s son, Ryan West, from his job as the director of player personnel. West believed this was partly because of their strained relationship. “They let him go because of me,” he said. This was followed by the Lakers canceling West’s season tickets, a gesture the NBA legend called “about as low as you can go.“
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Despite the sour end to his relationship with the Lakers, Jerry West’s impact on the team and the NBA is undeniable. He played a key role in building two Lakers dynasties, and with the Clippers, he helped bring stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to Los Angeles in 2019.
West often spoke about feeling underappreciated by the Lakers. “One disappointing thing is that my relationship with the Lakers is horrible,” he said. “I still don’t know why. And at the end of the day, when I look back, I say, ‘Well, maybe I should have played somewhere else instead of with the Lakers, where someone would have at least appreciated how much you give, how much you cared.‘”
The Lakers have honored West’s contributions, including wearing No. 44 bands on their jerseys for the 2024-25 season. This tribute acknowledges the significant role Jerry West played in the team’s history, even if his personal connection to the franchise ended in disappointment.
Also Read: 12-Time All-Star Pays Emotional Tribute to Jerry West After Lakers Legend’s Death
