Mark Heisler has an interesting chat with Jerry West
I had an interesting talk with Jerry West the other day, when he mentioned--in the first time I ever heard it, that he was almost traded to the Phoenix Suns.... "If I had wanted to go, I would have gone." West said. "I would have made a lot more money.... But in the end, I just couldn’t do it. Because they would have traded me to Phoenix for Charlie Scott. But I’m glad I finished my career in Los Angeles..."
--Mark Heisler
I guess he knew that if that trade went through someday someone would ask "whos charlie Scott?"
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | December 22, 2009 at 06:42 PM
Mark - where's the rest of the interview/chat? Details, man - details!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | December 22, 2009 at 06:52 PM
If it went through it would be the forerunner of the Gasol-Kwame trade.
Posted by: p ang | December 22, 2009 at 06:58 PM
bruins84,
-
Great move and props from another ex-bruin. KD is such a class guy. Could it be that he is being considered? That would be so awesome. I love how Kevin responded he was aware of the bandwagon and proud. The guy knows what is going on. I used to feel so bad for him that so few people commented. I have sent him several emails and he always took the time and effort to personally respond. Imagining him as our host sends chills down my spine.
-
Thanks again for the initiative. I love this blog and its great Lakers community.
-
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | December 22, 2009 at 07:06 PM
This is random, but in the New Blogger interlude I'm actually enjoying the LAT Sports Team covering the blog, interesting reading their more subjective takes since I usually read their straight news/features.
Posted by: kt | December 22, 2009 at 07:13 PM
JWest knows about loyalty. At the end of the day, the money, the glory, the challenge falls to the wayside of Laker Legacy and loyalty.
You may win rings in another team, but it doesn't quite feel the same way as it does in purple and gold. Just ask Shaq.
Posted by: Faith | December 22, 2009 at 07:17 PM
No LA Times, this is not good enough. A four sentence post? Can we hurry up and put someone on the job?
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | December 22, 2009 at 07:21 PM
I wonder if Jerry West ever put brown mustard on his hot dog, or did he just stick with yellow? That's a good topic for tomorrow's post.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | December 22, 2009 at 07:23 PM
Anyone hear from Phred let him know we all on to him as a closet Celts fan.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | December 22, 2009 at 07:40 PM
Jerry West needs to stay in the silouettes of the NBA logo and mind his own business.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | December 22, 2009 at 09:57 PM
I hate ESPN.
Chris Kaman (who is playing All-Star caliber basketball right now) just had a career night (29 points) against Houston yesterday.
They didn't mention it at all.
All they did was talk about Landry, who had 27 points.
Urgh.
Also, how is Zach Randolph suddenly playing All-Star caliber ball? The guy is traded from the Clippers and suddenly becomes a good player. I don't get it.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | December 23, 2009 at 06:41 AM
justanothermambafan,
"Jerry West needs to stay in the silouettes of the NBA logo and mind his own business."
Dude, what are you talking about? He's one of the three Greatest Lakers ever!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | December 23, 2009 at 07:27 AM
Some of you younger Laker fans may not know this but back in West's playing days, Jack Kent Cooke (Laker owner @1966-1979) and Jerry West did NOT get along. Though this is the first I've heard of it, I could see Cooke doing this deal back then if West would've wanted it. Scary thought.
Posted by: LALFanSince 61 | December 23, 2009 at 10:56 AM
If my memory serves me right... The Lakers still ended up trading for Scott in 1977 -
Kermit Washington and Don Chaney for Charlie Scott
Posted by: M Leon | December 23, 2009 at 02:52 PM
the lakers DID end up with charlie scott back in '77. he was very good but he didnt stay long, as we got him from the celtics i believe for kermit washington and don chaney (cousin). i think we traded him to denver at the end of that season.
Posted by: tim chaney | December 23, 2009 at 02:53 PM
It's too bad those under 40 no so little about Jerry West's playing days. Aside from his great basketball skills, he was the definition of a clean, blue collar player. He worked day after day after day perfecting his skills. Just like Kobe, he had (and still has) a basketball IQ that is unparallel. Back then, you didn't play for the money, glory or sneakers contract. You played for the love of the game. Only a handful of players today can say that.
In my eyes, West can do know wrong. I look forward to reading his book this spring.
Posted by: Howard | December 23, 2009 at 07:44 PM