Jerry West‘s decision to accept a role with the Los Angeles Clippers was a shocker for many, especially so soon after the Golden State Warriors won the championship for the second time in three years. He is considered a primary architect of the “super team” Golden State now has, and the exact reason why he left is still unknown.
However, according to a piece by Jack McCallum of Sports Illusrated, his relationship with the Dubs' ownership group eventually became tenuous, leading to him moving back to Los Angeles:
“In a few weeks West will become a special consultant (exact title to be determined) for the Los Angeles Clippers, more or less the role he had played with the Warriors for six years, which included two championships. West had been in touch with the Clippers, particularly owner Steve Ballmer, over the last couple of months after it started to become evident that he and the Warriors were ending a relationship that had begun in 2011.”
“Sources say that a strain had developed between West and the ownership group, which is headed by hedge-fund legend Joe Lacob and Hollywood heavyweight Peter Guber. But West said he would not address those reports. One thing is clear: It was his decision to leave.”
Being the true professional that he is, the 79-year-old did not say anything to confirm this or throw shade at the Warriors' brass. He even described leaving the organization as “one of the saddest days of his life.”
Should the speculation be true, it definitely comes as a surprise, especially with no news coming out before about a rift between him and the team owners. Now that both parties have parted ways, it will be interesting to see what impact West will have on the Clippers. He'll do everything in his power to put them over the top and into the Finals for the first time in franchise history.
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