Jerry West admits Los Angeles Lakers not among best NBA teams - NBA Update
Former Los Angeles Lakers star and NBA legend Jerry West has said that the current Lakers outfit has lost its status as one of the premier sides in the league. West spoke in the light of Los Angeles’ 4 – 1 defeat to the Oklahoma
City Thunder in the Western Conference Semi Finals.
The Lakers had looked strong going into the series but couldn’t keep pace with the younger and quicker OKC team that outclassed them in 5 games, including some last gasp wins. It was the second year running that Los Angeles were
bundled out in the second round of the playoffs and West believes that is cause for concern.
"Their team is not dead, but they're not one of the four best teams in the league, I don't think, anymore," the former Lakers executive told "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" on ESPN Radio Thursday.
West also clarified that the Lakers weren’t to be ruled out just yet, and that he did not believe they are a bad team now. He just wanted to emphasize on the fact that they aren’t what they used to be. He also discouraged blaming
anyone at this point.
"They're very, very good. The people of Los Angeles have been fortunate in seeing so many good teams and so many championship-calibre teams, but to point the blame and blame this and blame that, give Oklahoma City credit."
West oversaw many successful NBA World Championship quests as an Executive in Los Angeles and he knows that the franchise always make the right moves in the summer. He was though concerned if they have enough flexibility and options
to make the necessary changes given high salaries players and a tighter Collective Bargaining Agreement.
"The Lakers have been historically good in going out in the offseason and getting pieces to be able to help them," West said. "Would someone want to make a trade with them for a player that's making $18 (million) or $19 million?”
The player West most likely referred to is power forward Pau Gasol. Gasol’s arrival at the franchise revived flailing fortunes and he went on to win 2 NBA World Championships with the team. His stick though has fallen dramatically
over the last two seasons.
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