If Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wasn’t already upset enough over not having a statue at Staples Center, hearing that Laker legend Jerry West will be accepting a job with another team probably will put him over the edge.
Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News reports that the logo will be joining the Golden State Warriors in an advisory role. Kawakami’s report makes the hiring of agent Bob Myers more understandable. Myers’ mentor as an agent is Arn Tellem, who is close friends with West. Bringing in Myers helped them land West according to Kawakami.
West likely will not have a role in decision-making, but having him involved as an advisor can only be a plus. As GM of the Lakers, he helped build seven championship teams. He also helped Memphis reach the playoffs for the first time in frachise history when he was GM of the Grizzlies. Bringing in a two-time NBA Executive of the Year can only be viewed as a win for the Warriors.
Golden State had been looking to make a splash under co-owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber. They were aiming high for their new head coach, reportedly getting turned down by Jerry Sloan and Jeff Van Gundy. Though it remains to be seen how much of a role West will have with the organization, having someone like him tied to the franchise will only be a help.
