Jerry West, known fondly as Mr. Clutch, is a legend with many untold stories. One such story from 1974, his 14th season in the NBA, has recently resurfaced, shedding light on the tumultuous end of his playing career. This revelation comes straight from West himself, during an interview with Paul George on his podcast last year. In the conversation, West opened up about how the NBA owner sabotaged West’s potential to become the first player to secure a million-dollar contract, a dream just within reach before his shocking retirement.
How an NBA Owner Sabotaged Jerry West’s Million-Dollar Dreams
West candidly spoke about the immense pressure he faced and the struggles with his mental health. But the bombshell was the reason he left the Lakers as an active player. Despite being on the verge of securing a million-dollar contract, something unheard of at the time, he walked away. What was the real story behind this?
In a tale woven with principles and unwavering integrity, West revealed that his departure was a stand against deceit. At 37, battling a broken nose and severe groin injuries, West’s career was still soaring. However, his moral compass couldn’t align with the betrayal he felt. As he said in an emotional moment during a 1974 New York Times interview, “I have set high standards for myself that I’m not willing to compromise. I have seen other players play longer than they should have. I did not want to do that.”
But what really went down between the Lakers and Jerry West? The answer remains shrouded in mystery. Even on Paul George’s show, West refrained from naming names but left clues. “In my 14th year, someone lied to me. You can’t do that with me. Just tell me the truth,” he asserted.
The 1974 season was a nightmare for West, who managed to play only 28 games. Despite efforts to heal his injuries, he found himself benched for most of the season. The final straw came when the Lakers’ owner accused him of feigning his injuries. This accusation was the tipping point.
During the interview, West recalled, “The owner said I did it on purpose. I didn’t want to play.” This blatant falsehood pushed him to step down, leaving behind a legacy as the third-highest scorer in NBA history with 25,192 points. His pride and principles were non-negotiable, even if it meant ending his career prematurely.
West’s departure wasn’t just a personal loss but a financial scandal. He was on the brink of becoming the first NBA player to earn a million-dollar contract. A book titled “The Show: The Inside Story of the Spectacular Los Angeles Lakers” corroborates this, revealing his bitter disputes with Jack Kent Cooke over unpaid wages. West’s passion for the game was undeniable. He was willing to negotiate, but Cooke had other plans, telling West’s agent to “go to hell.” Feeling betrayed, West knew he could no longer stay with the Lakers or play for any other team.
Jerry West only saw himself as a Laker. The team wasn’t just his workplace; it was his sanctuary. The thought of playing elsewhere was unthinkable. Despite his tumultuous exit, West’s contributions to the sport are unparalleled. His silhouette still graces the NBA logo, a testament to his indelible mark on basketball. Without him, the essence of the NBA remains incomplete.
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