The phone call always started the same. Though the caller ID and his distinguishable voice already provided the answer, the NBA’s most accomplished player and executive still identified himself.
“Mark, this is Jerry West.”
The phone call then veered in different directions, depending on the topic or his mood.
Sometimes, West made me laugh with his unfiltered opinions on nearly any NBA topic, team or player . Sometimes, West made me feel inspired when he talked about his accomplished career both as an NBA player and an executive.
Sometimes, West made me tear up when he reflected on his personal losses, including his brother that died in the Korean War (David) and his favorite former teammate that passed away in 2021 (Elgin Baylor). Sometimes, West directly declined to comment on the topic at hand before respectfully wishing me well.
Sending all my regards to the West family. It was an honor to talk to Jerry for so many stories on his career, the league at large, his community work, Elgin Baylor, his sons (Ryan, Jonnie) and more. ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/8wRcWrRGDW
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) June 12, 2024
West died at the age of 86 on Wednesday, and the subsequent NBA, luminary and player tributes surely highlighted the extensive resume that made him a three-time Hall-of-Famer as an NBA player (1980), a member of the 1960 U.S. men’s Olympic team (2010) and a long-time executive (2024).
With the Los Angeles Lakers (1960-74), West relentlessly competed and thrived through injuries both through heartbreaks (six NBA Finals losses to the hated Boston Celtics) and Mr. Clutch performances (1972 NBA title, 1969 Finals MVP, 14 All-Star appearances). As the NBA’s most respected executive in NBA history, West continuously refined the Lakers’ Showtime championship roster before ushering in a new era by successfully pursuing a prized free-agent (Shaquille O’Neal) and trading for an intriguing draft prospect straight out of high school (Kobe Bryant). Shortly after leaving the Lakers (2000), West helped a small market team gain more respectability (Memphis Grizzlies; 2002-07) before transitioning into consultant roles with the Golden State Warriors (2011-17) and LA Clippers (2017-2024).
Yet, the tributes show that West’s lasting impact extended beyond his resume and an unofficial likeness of the NBA’s logo. Just like I cherished with West’s phone calls as a Lakers (2010-17), Warriors (2017-19) and NBA reporter (2019-present), West inspired the NBA’s past and current generations by maintaining a personal connection to the game, to its league and to its players.
West often seemed sheepish when discussing his own accomplishments. Though he took pride in his extensive resume, West appeared more interested in analyzing the latest game he saw in person or on television. Even with smaller advisory roles, West routinely attended Warriors and Clippers games and showed the same demeanor he conveyed when he possessed a larger influence with the Lakers and Grizzlies. West attended NBA and Summer League games with the same enthusiasm as an unknown scout just trying to break into the business. West still watched NBA playoff games with the same anxiety he displayed as either the Lakers’ lead player or executive.
Just as he did with players following pre-draft workouts or games, West never held back on what he liked or disliked about a performance. Just as he did in front office meetings, West often shared his thoughts on what he thought of the moves the franchise did or did not make. During those conversations, West blended in his politeness and analysis with blunt candor. West never shied away from expressing whether he liked or disliked my questions, opinions or stories. Though West shared his unfiltered opinions, he often probed for mine. Just like the players, coaches and executives that worked with him, I respected and appreciated West’s honest give and take. Not only did West have the credibility to share such candor. He conveyed the necessary humanity to show that he cared.
West played at West Virginia and in the NBA well before I was born. He established himself as the NBA’s best executive during my childhood. Though I never had the pleasure of covering West during his glory years with the Lakers as a player and an executive, I remain grateful for becoming one of \many reporters that often interacted with him.
West praised Bryant shortly before he surpassed him as the Lakers’ all-time scoring leader in the 2009-10 season. West expressed feeling both humbled and uncomfortable before and after the Lakers unveiled his statue during 2011 NBA All-Star weekend. Following the publication of his autobiography, West talked candidly about his depression, losing his brother during the Korean War and his falling out with former Lakers coach Phil Jackson.
West spoke with similar honesty on adjusting into a new consultant role with the Warriors that lowered his stress, fed his competitive fix and challenged him to respect a reduced role. West offered the same openness with his sons working in front office positions with the Warriors (Jonnie) and Detroit Pistons (Ryan) while trying to minimize his influence either helping or hurting their trajectory. West toasted both Bryant and Baylor shortly after their respective passings and once the Lakers announced details about Bryant’s statue unveiling. Occasionally, West shared his annoyance, hurt and resignation for the Lakers maintaining a frosty distance with him, something his No. 44 retired jersey and statue could never fully camouflage.
Through it all, West seemed genuinely interested to talk for reasons beyond just fulfilling an interview request. He often asked questions related to my various beats. He congratulated me any time I accepted a new job. He shared his reading lists. He updated me on his health progress and setbacks. He began and ended any phone call or in-person conversation with gracious pleasantries.
In between, West openly shared his strong convictions, his insecurities and his memories. West impacted countless others in actual NBA positions in similar ways. We all remained enthralled with interacting with a man that accomplished so much in basketball through so many avenues. We all remained appreciative he graciously shared his honest thoughts about a game that he loved until the very end.