“I Felt More Like a Father Figure,” Recalling His Warm Equation With Kobe Bryant, Lakers Legend Sheds Light on the Time He Said “No” to Kobe

Kobe Bryant’s legacy is far from dying. Basketball legends and aficionados, after Bryant’s passing almost three years ago, have since been keeping his legacy alive. Every icon of the NBA world has a Kobe story to tell, and the Mamba lives forever through these stories. In a recent conversation, a vital LA icon, who mentored the then superstars like Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, has touched up on the warm relationship he had with Kobe.

Ever since Kobe wore the Purple and Gold, he had won the hearts of those around him. Kobe had so deep a bond with the then Lakers general manager that the latter was even a ‘father figure’ for Bryant. However, he once had to say no to Bryant, which would’ve caused Lakernation some heartbreak.

Lakers legend emotionally tells a Kobe Bryant story

When Kobe Bryant joined the Los Angeles Lakers, LA legend Jerry West was the team’s general manager. West is someone who has seen Kobe through his ups and downs. The 1972 NBA champion spoke at length about his memories of Kobe, during his appearance on Podcast P with Paul George. Minutes after Jerry West recalled Bryant’s work ethic and competitive mindset, Paul George asked him to spill the beans on one Kobe story that he always cherishes.

Jerry West left LA to take up the role of general manager in Memphis. Bryant wanted to join his old mentor. “When I worked in Memphis, I’d get calls ‘What am I gonna do?’ And you know I guess in some sense it might have been tampering. I didn’t look at tampering because he[Kobe] was at our house all time, he ate at my house. I felt more like a father figure with him,” said Jerry West.

As Jerry West puts it, Bryant was keen to join him and party for the Grizzlies. But West then offered wise words for the 5x-NBA champion. Luckily, West’s advice worked for both the Mamba and Lakernation.

Jerry West showed Kobe Bryant where he belonged

While Kobe Bryant was passionate about moving to Memphis, Jerry West did not him there, in spite of being his father figure. “He[Kobe] said he wanted to come to Memphis and play. I looked at him and I said ‘You kidding me?’ And I said ‘Kobe no. You know, it’s just you belong somewhere out here.’ Even though he would have never played there, I just wanted to reassure him that doesn’t feel like you have any obligation with me or the Grizzlies to play here,” Jerry West added.

READ MORE: “From One Mamba to Another”: Late Kobe Bryant’s Gratifying Gesture Once Won the Heart of NBA Broadcaster Mike Breen

If it were not for West’s wise words, the world would have seen a different Kobe Bryant. Today, it is safe to say that Kobe belonged to LA and LA to him. The Lakers will be eternally indebted to Jerry West for many of his services, but his effort to show the Mamba where he belonged, will always remain special.

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