In the world of NBA greats, few names shine as brightly as that of Jerry West. He was known as ‘Mr. Clutch’ for his ability to deliver in crucial moments, West’s shadow graces the NBA logo itself, even if the league does not accept. He had spent 14 years with the Los Angeles Lakers, and took them to nine NBA Finals, and in 1972 helped the team clinch the championship. But just months after his death, and a day before his Hall of Fame induction, a new revelation regarding the Lakers player and coach has surfaced.

For the third time as a contributor, West is being inducted on Sunday into the Basketball HOF. But it was revealed that the Lakers coach was deeply shocked by the tragedy that struck the NBA world when NBA star Kobe Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna and seven other people, died in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. “Look at all the tragedies every day that go on. You just wonder, ‘Are you pushing your luck by putting so much pressure on yourself to try to help make a difference?’ … And I like pressure, but, after a while, I really don’t know if it’s good for you. I really don’t — and particularly at this point in my life,” said West reflecting on the incident a month after it. (as per ESPN)

But why is it said that West hated the Lakers? During the last days of his career as a coach, West was not at all happy with the management of the organization. “I almost wish that I had never played or worked for them,” said West to ESPN’s Baxter Holmes.

For Jerry West, the loss of Kobe Bryant was particularly saddening. It was he who had strategized the trade that brought a young Kobe Bryant to the Lakers in 1996. West had become a mentor and father figure to Bryant over the years, nurturing his talent and then watching the four-time NBA champion turn into one of the greatest players in NBA history. The bond they shared went beyond basketball, and it can be said they were connected in ways that held up even after West left the Lakers’ organization in the year 2000.

With the basketball world still moving to grieve the loss of one of its brightest stars, Jerry West’s heart-wrenching memory is a way to remember just how one person can impact the lives of those around them. However did you know about the other two times when the late Lakers coach was inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame?

The other times when Jerry West was inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame

West, who is one of the most iconic figures in NBA history, has the unique distinction of being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame three times. In 1980, he was first inducted as a player, which recognized his career spent in the Los Angeles Lakers.

In 2018 West was inducted into the Hall of Fame as an executive the second time around. As a general manager, he brought championships to the Lakers and it was his contributions. His skill of finding and recruiting top talent and brilliant mind allowed the Lakers to keep winning year in and year out.

It’s true, West’s induction into the Hall of Fame as a contributor this year means his contribution to the NBA is unavoidable, and his legacy will be the stuff of legends to come.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger