As the NBA world continues to reel from the shocking gut-punch that was the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, players, executives and friends are beginning to share some of their favorite memories of the Los Angeles Lakers legend. No one worked closer with Kobe than Hall-of-Famer Jerry West, the former Lakers executive who was responsible for orchestrating that draft-day trade for Bryant back in 1996.
An emotional West appeared on TNT’s special edition of Inside the NBA Tuesday night to share a few stories he had from working with Bryant for a number of years. Perhaps West’s most interesting recollection came when he was discussing the 2004 offseason in which he says Bryant nearly left the Lakers to join the LA Clippers. West says Bryant had already committed to the Clippers but he convinced him otherwise, telling him he can’t go play for that owner who at the time was Donald Sterling. West was operating as the GM of the Memphis Grizzlies in 2004.
“No one knows the intimate talks I had with him,” West said. “I remember when he was going to leave the Lakers. I never really mentioned this to anyone. He was going to come and sign with the Clippers, who I am now involved with as a consultant. And I told him ‘Kobe, under no circumstances can you do this.’ He was mad at everyone at the Lakers, the owner, everyone else. I said ‘Kobe, you can’t go play with the Clippers. You can’t play for that owner. Period.’”
Jerry West on Kobe potentially joining the Clippers. pic.twitter.com/3JOhjdaV4n
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 29, 2020
Of course, Sterling was banned from the NBA after recordings of him making racist statements were uncovered in 2014. Kobe Bryant would take West’s advice to heart and signed a seven-year contract to remain a Laker. Bryant played all 20 of his professional seasons as a member of the purple and gold.
West would go on to express how we viewed Bryant almost as a son, calling Sunday the saddest day of his life and struggling to hold back tears for the entirety of his dialogue. As a 17-year-old kid becoming familiar with Los Angeles in his first few seasons as a pro, Bryant and West became incredibly close during their time together with the Lakers.
West was far from the only guest to appear on TNT Tuesday night as former teammates and players all shared their fondest memories of the late great Kobe Bryant. West finished his thoughts on Bryant with the same words many across the NBA world can relate to as they mourn his death days after this unthinkable tragedy.
“I don’t know if I can get over this. I really don’t.”
