How Jerry West Once Intervened Kobe Bryant’s Move to a Rival Franchise: ‘You Can’t Play for That Owner’

Los Angeles was Kobe Bryant‘s home. After all, he spent his entire career with the Lake Show establishing his legacy as an icon of the league. There have been times, however, when Bryant’s relationship with the franchise turned bitter. In 2004, Kobe was on the brink of leaving the Lakers. Interestingly, the Mamba had sought a move to the Lakers’ rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. Bryant was well on his way to joining the Clippers but NBA icon Jerry West changed his mind.

“I remember when he was going to leave the Lakers and I’ve never really mentioned this to anyone,” said West recalling the incident.

Jerry West played a huge role in keeping Kobe Bryant in the Lakers

Jerry West is a Lakers legend in all senses. Not only is he one of the most iconic players to ever wear the purple and gold, but he had a major role in shaping the franchise’s history. West was behind the Lakers going in for Bryant during the 1996 NBA draft. During an interview with TNT, West revealed intriguing details of the failed deal.

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He said, “He was going to come and sign with the Clippers, who I’m now involved with as a consultant. And I told him, ‘Kobe, under no circumstances can you do this.’ And he was mad at everyone at the Lakers, the owner, everyone else. I said, ‘Kobe, you can’t go play with the Clippers. You can’t play for that owner. Period.”

Following this conversation with West, Bryant changed his mind and committed himself to the Clippers. In fact, the Lakers underwent a major overhaul after this. Coach Phil Jackson was fired while NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal was traded to the Miami Heat. 

The Los Angeles Clippers time and again faced the wrath of the Black Mamba. The five-time NBA champion played 69 games against his cross-town rivals. During these matches, he averaged 24.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.

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What is your favorite Kobe Bryant memory? Let us know in the comments below.