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Clippers’ Jerry West is partially wrong regarding LeBron to the Lakers

By Ryan Snellings

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 06: Los Angeles Clippers executive board member Jerry West (L) and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer talk as they attend a 2018 NBA Summer League game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 92-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 06: Los Angeles Clippers executive board member Jerry West (L) and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer talk as they attend a 2018 NBA Summer League game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 92-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Clippers’ Jerry West made comments about the Lakers getting LeBron James in free agency. Although many get what he’s trying to do, the Logo is partially wrong.

When asked Wednesday about LeBron James joining the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, the Clippers’ consultant Jerry West said essentially it’s not a big deal nor was it a tough signing for the franchise. He’s partially wrong.

Here’s the full quote via Jack McCallum of Sports Illustrated:

"All due respect to the Lakers, who handled everything well,” said West, “but, as these things go, LeBron was not a tough free-agent signing. LeBron wanted to come to L.A. and he wanted to come to the Lakers. Period. He has a family he’s thinking about. He has a home here. [Actually two homes.] He has a son [13-year-old “Bronny” Jr.] whom he wants to keep in one school in Los Angeles. He will be a celebrity out here, sure, but it’s a place where, once in a while, he can get lost, be himself. You can’t do that everywhere."

Jerry’s right

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We may not have believed it at the start of last season, but as the year progressed, LeBron to the Lakers seemed increasingly more likely. The King wanted to play in the bright lights of Los Angeles and although the Clippers may have been interested in him, he didn’t really seem to return the favor.

LeBron wanted to play for a storied franchise, to have his family around and to build his brand. The Lakers, for all the trash we may talk about them, were the perfect fit for him from a career standpoint.

Surely, like West says, it didn’t take much for the team to grab him. They had the cap space in place. They had youth and the ability to lure other free agents in by reputation alone. Many other franchises don’t have anywhere near that capability. Still, it wasn’t all cake.

Jerry’s wrong

Taking all that info and understanding that LeBron to the Lakers was almost a given, you still have to appreciate what the Lakers did. Nothing in this league is a sure thing. Just look at the very same Lakers and Paul George this summer.

Getting any big name free agent, especially LeBron James, is still tough. The Lakers had to have themselves positioned correctly to bring him in. They spent the past couple of seasons making sure that their cap space would be available this summer. They brought in young talent in Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram that showed potential and should fit nicely next to James. Getting those moves right wasn’t easy as is evidenced by many other teams who are annual lottery participants.

I love Jerry West and what he’s doing with the Clippers. I even understand where he’s coming from with this statement. But let’s be honest. It was a tough and good get by the Lakers to bring in The King.

"“I hope LeBron has that experience out here. I really do. I hope he finds the happiness that I found.” West stops and makes this point clear. “Just not when he plays the Clippers.”"

Now that’s a statement I can fully agree with.

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