Jerry West, who spent over 40 years with the Lakers as a player, coach, and executive, would reportedly like to return to the organization as a consultant — but no offer is coming.
Mark Heisler of the Orange County Register reported that the Lakers are aware of West’s desire to return, but are not going to act on it.
It’s not clear whose decision it is to ignore West’s interest, but this report gives us a pretty good idea. It seems silly to reject interest from a franchise icon and a man who has built champions before, but perhaps the Lakers would prefer to look forward instead of backward.
http://www.ocregister.com/2017/04/14/heisler-lakers-no-longer-even-do-no-brainers-like-tanking-and-jerry-west/
These days the Lakers don’t even do no-brainers, like inviting Jerry West back in a consultant’s role like the one he has with the Warriors. A Lakers insider told me it’s not happening … even though the Lakers are aware West would love to be asked back.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2697145-lakers-show-loyalty-matters-more-than-family-with-new-magic-pelinka-front-office
There just has to be a balance between personal goals and loyalty.
Jerry West was interested in returning to the Lakers, where son Ryan has carved out a useful role with the old and new regime, but, though Jeanie Buss will forever revere Jerry, he didn't match her vision for the future, according to NBA sources.
I agree with the thought that bringing West back as a Consultant is a 'No-Brainer'... What do you have to lose? Only thing I can think of is Magics authority would take a hit... That said, Magic has essentially no experience assembling basketball talent... Neither does Pelinka... Honestly, I think they NEED Jerry West.
I guess we'll see... But firing Mitch and ignoring West just adds to the pressure they've created for themselves... There absolutely has to be a plan in place to build a playoff team this season. They can't afford to make a mediocre deal or two... Like Magic says, they need a superstar now.
If they don't have a plan to land a true superstar, they absolutely should hire West, trot him out to the media and have him say, "Looking at the pieces we have, it makes sense for us to give them a little more time to develop before breaking it up," or something like that. Instant pressure relief valve...
You'd also have to think Free Agents would be even more impressed if West were here.
All things considered, even in my most positive "West is too old" frame of mind, this doesn't make any sense whatsoever to me.
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