Former Lakers GM, Jerry West, Once Chose LeBron James Over Kobe Bryant, “He’s Surpassed Everybody In The NBA”
Jerry West is one of the most revered people in all of basketball.
The Logo was a successful player, coach, and executive in the NBA. West is an 8-time NBA champion, has won rings at every position and is also a two-time executive of the year.
It’s safe to say that Jerry West is an authority when it comes to understanding the game of basketball. West was responsible for several incredible decisions, including the selection of a 17-year-old Kobe Bryant fresh out of high school.
Also read: Jerry West, who hooked Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, wished he had never played for the Lakers
West and his affection for the game are renowned among basketball fans around the world. So it’s only natural that West’s views should be considered the norm among NBA fans.
That’s not to say divisive statements don’t come from the ever-revered Logo. A certain opinion of 2009 would and still could be a trigger for many NBA fans, particularly in the beloved land of West’s Lakers.
In 2009, Jerry West was asked Bloomberg to choose an NBA player from the active crop to lead a franchise. With several established names at the height of their careers and with a large body of work behind them, some obvious names stood out. Including his own famous draft pick, Kobe Bryant.
West, however, chose differently.
Which player did Jerry West pick in 2009 to lead any franchise if given the choice?
The question to Jerry West was simple: “Of all the players available, if you were starting a team today, and that includes veterans, would you pick LeBron James No. 1?”
West’s response was as simple as it sounds.
“Oh absolutely, there would be no doubt in my mind,” West commented. An incredible answer, considering the fact that LeBron James hadn’t even turned 25 at the time.
“LeBron James has outdone everyone in today’s game”
– Jerry West way back in 2009
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— Masked in LA 🎭 (@MaskedInLA) October 2, 2022
West added that despite his tender age, LeBron’s position in the league was unprecedented. To quote, West said that “he has surpassed everyone in today’s game” while justifying your choice.
The reporter reminded West that a certain Kobe Bryant would be available in this hypothetical. West, while openly admitting his preference for Kobe, claimed that LeBron has age on his side and with what he had already accomplished, he made it a no-brainer.
If a young LeBron ever needed validation, this was it. It’s not every day that the literal NBA logo calls you the most successful player in the league.
Has LeBron validated West’s confidence over time? your bet
Also read: “LeBron James is the smartest NBA player ever”: When Jerry West praised the Lakers superstar just after he won his fourth title
