Jerry West reportedly wished he "never played or worked" for Lakers after son's firing in 2019: NBA Insider
Jerry West is regarded as one of the most important figures in NBA history, from his contributions to the Los Angeles Lakers' winning culture to establishing a strong foundation for the Clippers franchise.
However, ESPN's Baxter Holmes reported that "The Logo" revealed his preference to not have "played or worked" for the purple and gold team after his son was fired from the organization in 2019.
He was one of the Lakers' most prominent players during his time and left a lasting impact by building the franchise's two dynasties: the 1980s powerhouse team and the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O'Neal era. He was also crucial in the Clippers' move to land Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the 2019 offseason.
However, he looked back on the Clippers' acquisition as a domino effect leading to his son's firing due to the competitive race with the Lakers.
"I almost wish that I had never played or worked for them," West said. "They let him go becauase of me."
It was a disheartening moment for Jerry West as it was a perceived sign of unprofessionalism from his first NBA home, despite everything he had done for the organization. It was a moment where West felt that all the memories and contributions done with the franchise were thrown out the window due to the effects of a personnel battle.
Jerry West described his relationship with the LA Lakers as "horrible"
Despite being one of the Lakers' most important players in the franchise's history, Jerry West looked back on his relationship with the organization as "horrible," as per the same ESPN article.
"One disappointing thing is that my relationship with the Lakers is horrible," West 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.'"
Following the passing of former team owner Jerry Buss, his daughter Jeanie took the reigns and stepped into her father's shoes. There was some reported friction between the two such as when West voiced his uncomfortable stance on the romantic relationship between Jeanie Buss and former head coach Phil Jackson.
When Jeanie officially became the owner of the purple and gold, West's season-ticket privilege was removed. It was a perk promised by Jeanie's father when West left the organization in 2000.
Aside from this instance, West was also pivotal in the hiring of Jackson as the team's head coach, which established the dynasty run involving Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal in the 2000s era.