Los Angeles Lakers: Jerry West explains why he joined the Clippers

The Los Angeles Lakers recently just saw Jerry West take a job with the Los Angeles Clippers. Why did West leave the Warriors?

There has been plenty of news surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers with the NBA Draft right around the corner. Because the Lakers hold the second pick in the draft, many are expecting them to get a franchise player early in the first round.

While all eyes have been on the draft, the Lakers did recently see their former general manager take a job with the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite many fans wanting to see him return in some capacity, West will be joining the Clippers as a special consultant. Here’s what West recently said about the move to Broderick Turner of the LA Times. 

"“For me, life is about passion. Life is about being around people you want to be around,” West said. “In my meeting with Steve and Dennis Wong, they were great. “I think [Ballmer] is going to be one of the great owners that this league has. For a man who has had enormous success, you would never know if you’re around him unless you knew. He’s just down to earth.”"

The Clippers will always be in the shadow of the Lakers in Los Angeles, but their new ownership is trying to help get them out of that. Recently, the Clippers have been active in trying to move out of the Staples Center to get their own stadium in California.

"“I want to see the Clippers get to where the owner and the people who work there internally want to go,” West said to Turner. “They have some really lofty goals over there, really lofty goals, and they thought I can help. I’m thrilled that I was wanted. I’m thrilled that they thought I could help and I’m hopeful that I can.”"

Many Lakers fans wanted to see West come back to the Lakers, but that never appeared to be discussed. Despite wanting to come back to the Lakers surely, West didn’t say much about the Lakers.

"“People will ask questions about the Lakers,” West said to Turner. “I don’t really have anything to say about the Lakers. I don’t. I’m not going to say anything derogatory about the Lakers. This is not about me being in competition with the Lakers.“It’s about me wanting to try to see if I can help make a difference with the people the Clippers have in place. I’m not going to be the out-front person.”"

Adding West certainly gives the Clippers a lot of new credibility. As one of the most respected basketball minds in the NBA, West could be key for helping the Clippers retain their stars.

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Since the Clippers are expecting both Griffin and Paul to opt out, they will have a busy offseason trying to retain them both. Having West in the picture could certainly help the Clippers build on what they already have.