Everyone self-respecting Los Angeles Lakers fan knows the story by now. Franchise icon Kobe Bryant was a lifelong Laker, but he wasn't actually drafted by the Purple & Gold.

The Mamba joined the Lakers via a draft day trade with the Charlotte Hornets, which was famously orchestrated by the logo himself, Jerry West. Despite the fact that West himself finished his career with eight championships, one could argue that move to draft Kobe Bryant became his most valuable contribution to the franchise.

West spoke out to CNBC's Jessica Golden to discuss how his relationship was like with Bryant, including what prompted the Lakers executive at the time to pounce on the 17-year-old high school star.

“We just fell in love with him. From the time we worked him out in Los Angeles, and particularly the second time we worked him out … from then on was like, I love this, how do we get this guy?”

That must have been some second workout. If anyone has footage in the gym from that time, Laker nation needs it ASAP. What a huge sliding doors moment that was for both the franchise and Bryant himself. But it's probably not surprising that Kobe indeed performed when eyes were on him, even ones as critical at evaluating talent as Jerry West.

West spoke further about what he'd remember most about the Mamba, as the Lakers icon was enshrined to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

“I'll remember [Bryant] as someone that I loved like a brother. The playful moments with him, some of the funny things and exchanges we had. Watching him when he first started to what he became,”

Both legends and Lakers fans alike can't help but reminisce at their favorite moments with Kobe Bryant. It all goes back to that second workout he had in the gym, when West and his team knew he was the one.