Despite his legendary influence on the LA Lakers, Jerry West's relationship with the organization became fractured during the latter years. Aside from being a star player for the franchise, West also served as a head coach and then a general manager until 2000.
After his time with the Lakers, West bounced around the league as an executive for the Memphis Grizzlies (2002-07) and the Golden State Warriors (2011-17).
After parting ways with Golden State, West, who died Wednesday at 86, took an interest in joining the Lakers. On "The Dan Patrick Show," he said he wanted to end his NBA career where it started, with the Lakers. However, the organization didn't entertain nor show interest in reuniting with their former franchise star.
Additionally, his eldest son, Ryan, parted ways with the Lakers in 2017 after being with the organization for a decade serving as a scout. In an interview with NBA.com, West said that he believes the reason his son was let go was because of him.
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It didn't end there as Lakers controlling owner and president Jeanie Buss did not mention the Hall of Famer on "All The Smoke" when asked about the franchise's influential figures. She named Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, LeBron James and Phil Jackson as the five most important figures in the team's history
West was offended that he was left off the list, calling it "one of the most offensive things I've ever heard in my life." He also shared how his relationship with the Lakers was horrible.
It got worse when the lifetime season tickets that the late Dr. Jerry Buss gave West and his wife were pulled. According to the former star, he had no idea why the tickets were revoked and expressed how he wished he should've just played for a different team where he's appreciated.
"It was a cold phone text to my wife," West recalled. "No one had the nerve to call me, but that's how petty they are, OK? And I love the Lakers, OK? I love to see them do well. It's great for basketball. I'm proud of everything that happened when I was there. I'm proud of everything that happened when I wasn't there — the positives."
Lakers release statement following Jerry West's passing
Jerry West's death surprised many, especially longtime Lakers fans. As players, friends and fans paid tribute on social media, the post dedicated to West from the Los Angeles organization caught the attention of many.
The statement from the Lakers was short and summarized the many accomplishments he had as a player. While it still honored the legacy West left, the message wasn't as impactful as the tributes from other greats like Shaquille O'Neal and Magic Johnson.
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