Jerry West hopes Heat break Lakers’ winning streak record

The Miami Heat are still 10 wins away from breaking the Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA record of 33 consecutive regular season victories. That means they have a long way to go, but anything is possible with the way LeBron James and company have played lately. If the Heat can erase a 27-point deficit on the road to extend their streak to 24 games, what’s another 10 victories?

Many people have been rooting against the Heat on a nightly basis, which is no surprise considering they are one of the most hated teams in sports. Lakers legend Jerry West, who was the starting point guard for the 1971-72 LA team that holds the record, is not one of those people.

“Honestly, I think they’ve got an incredible chance to do it,” West told reporters during a teleconference on Thursday, via the LA Times. “I really do. And people say to me, ‘Does it bother you?’ Absolutely not. I think it’s great for the league and I’m delighted obviously for my friend Pat Riley to be able to maybe replicate this not only as an executive but as a player. It’s pretty special.

“If they would break it, my gosh, I think it would be a wonderful story. I have no problem with that.”

You hear that, Mercury Morris? There’s nothing worse than a retired athlete who can’t let it go. Records are made to be broken, and the best thing you can do when one of yours is challenged is prepare to watch it fall with grace. West said if there is any game the Heat should be concerned about it’s there matchup against the San Antonio Spurs on March 31. If Miami has yet to lose at that point, a win over the Spurs could stretch its streak to 30 games.

Even the LeBron haters have to respect what King James has been doing during this incredible stretch. Just like he did in the playoffs last year, he has put the Heat on his back. Not even this insane fan was enough to slow him down.