Conversations around the NBA can go a variety of ways. While there are obvious comparisons based on stats, something that most conversations go to is the intangibles. Whether you call it heart, a clutch gene, or the killer instinct, these intangibles make or break a player. Although a ton of players have claimed, or have shown flashes of those genes, one man stands above the rest. While people throw out names like LeBron James and Michael Jordan, the clutch Player of the Year award had someone else’s namesake.

More than 50 years after winning the Finals, a Los Angeles Lakers legend had an interesting claim.

The Logo’s?comments endorsed by LeBron James

The NBA has seen 54 Finals with a Finals MVP award. Of those, only 1 ever went to a player from the losing side. That man is the current GM for the Los Angeles Clippers, Jerry West. The logo of the NBA, West was a dominant shooting guard, with a legacy enriched in stone.

However, with numerous accolades and 10 Finals appearances to his name, West was most popular for his incredible clutch-shot making. That “dawg” that comes up in conversations around intangibles was made for the Lakers legend. He was so dominant, in fact, that the NBA crowned an official award called the Jerry West Clutch Player of the Year award.

Recently, West made an interesting claim. Speaking about the rookies and conversations around intangibles, Jerry had a Hall-of-Fame-worthy quote. “The word ‘dog’ comes up a lot…Well, I was a wolf…I used to eat dogs”. While you might think that his comments were arrogant, NBA greats were in harmony with the legend.

One of the two greatest players ever, LeBron James was in complete agreement with Mr. West. Another legendary trash talker, NBA Champion, and Timberwolves?legend, Kevin Garnett, also agreed with the 14-time All-Star’s claim.

Recently, West had some interesting comments about a new rookie. Well, not just any rookie. The most hyped prospect since LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama. While the conversations around Wemby feel hyperbolic, the upside is immediately visible. And jumping on the bandwagon is none other than the logo himself, Jerry West.

Is Wemby the new-age Bill Russell?

The hype for Wembanyama has been almost unprecedented. Not since LeBron James has a rookie been this scrutinized. When people start arguing about Summer League games, perhaps, things have gone a bit too far. After his first Summer League was “disappointing” to some, the logo continued the hyperbole.

Read More: ?He Ruins Games?: Hours After an Underwhelming Spurs Debut, Victor Wembanyama?s Gameplay Gets Scrutinized by a Lakers Legend

Speaking on Wemby’s defensive instincts, West likened him to arguably the greatest defender of all time, Bill Russell. “He reminds me a little bit of a bigger Bill Russell, with a big reach. Coming from everywhere, blindsides”.

Even though Victor has shown incredible defensive instincts, tallying 9 blocks in two games, the comparisons to Bill Russell, an 11-time NBA Champion, are a huge compliment. Coming from a contemporary of Russel’s like West might be the icing on the cake.

Only time will tell if West’s predictions come true. What do you think of Jerry’s comments? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story: 5 Months After Telling The World “He’s A Fu**ing Dog”, LeBron James Acknowledges Lakers Legend’s Bold “Wolf” Claim