Los Angeles Lakers legend Mr. Logo, aka Jerry West, once called out Magic Johnson for being too critical of the franchise.
Magic Johnson is easily one of the most famous Lakers in franchise history.
His reign in the 80’s helped the team reach different heights of fame.
But before him, another man ruled the league and led the Lakers. His name is Jerry West. West, a 14-time All-Star, began his NBA career in 1960 wearing gold and purple.
He led the team to 9 NBA Finals and lost 8 of them. West’s determination for the team is exemplary. And despite obstacles from Bill Russell and the Celtics, West finally won a championship in 1972. He is the only player in league history to win a Finals MVP without winning the championship.
Although Johnson was much more successful than West in terms of titles, winning 5 for the Lakers, the two shared many similarities.
Jerry’s rival, Bill Russell, played for Boston. Similarly, Johnson’s longtime rival, Larry Bird, also played for the Celtics.
The bond also shared transcended the sport. They understood each other’s races like no one else did.
Whenever West was approached about Magic, the 6’3″ guard had only generous words. However, on one occasion, Jerry called out Magic Johnson.
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Jerry West didn’t like that Magic Johnson criticized the Lakers
In an interview with Graham Bensinger in 2015, Mr. Clutch revealed his opinion on Magic Johnson. The 84-year-old first had a long streak of praise for the point guard.
But then, reluctantly, he confessed that he didn’t like that Magic Johnson was so critical of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jerry: “Her enthusiasm, you know, smile…approachable. Not much has changed today. He can be very critical today and particularly with the Lakers, which he shouldn’t do.
But you know he loved him and today he and I are still good friends.
“
West definitely behaves like he’s just messing around with the video. However, there may be some truth to his jokes. In 2015, the Lakers were going through a rough patch. It was difficult for the team to even record more than 30 wins per season.
Magic Johnson, at the time, had gone after then-owner Jim Buss. The $620 million-valued superstar complained about Jim’s leadership and suggested the owner needed help.
Oddly enough, Jerry West also clashed with current Lakers owner Jeanie Buss in february 2022. The 14-time All-Star lashed out at the Buss family and Lakers ownership for revoking his season tickets.
The entire saga dragged the name of the Lakers through the mud. Do you think the team is right to revoke West’s season tickets?
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