After spending the last several years in Golden State, Jerry West returned to Los Angeles last week, joining the Clippers rather than reuniting with the Lakers. According to Sam Amick of USA Today, West’s new deal with the Clippers is a lucrative one, worth between $4-5MM annually.
As Amick details, a significant factor in the Clippers’ pursuit of West – and owner Steve Ballmer‘s willingness to pay him a substantial salary – is the influence he could have on the LeBron James sweepstakes in 2018. Amick refers to a possible pursuit of LeBron as the “grand plan” for West and the Clippers’ front office, and the veteran executive’s ability to act as a star recruiter in that race is important to the franchise.
Of course, before the Clippers can seriously consider how to land LeBron, they’ll have plenty of work to do this coming offseason. James’ good friend Chris Paul hasn’t yet committed to remaining in Los Angeles, and Blake Griffin is also eligible for unrestricted free agency.
But assuming the Clippers’ roster remains relatively intact, the Clippers believe West may be capable of helping them lure LeBron away from his hometown team a year from now, according to Amick. The USA Today scribe notes that James and West have built a relationship over the years, with LeBron having read West’s autobiography several times and dubbing the 79-year-old “The Godfather.”
A lot would have to go right for the Clippers in the next year to turn that dream into a reality, but with West on board, the club has taken a first step.
No way Lebron goes to the Clips.
Lol Clippers. Dream big baby.
A team can dream I suppose…
This is a joke Attucks right?
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Unless they keep Cp3 why would he want to go there? Griffin is likely gone and Jordan needs to learn how to hit some damn FT’s if he wants to be in there in crunch time. Its either gonna be the Lakers(If they get George) or Cle
Lebron is in a tough position, he shouldn’t look to take any more losses in the Finals. If he’s not confident the Cavs can beat the Warriors after this off-season he should press for a trade mid-season.
I still can’t picture Lebron leaving a scorer like Kyrie which he needs more tben ever because he is declining. He would have to score more in LA with a pass first guard like Paul.
LeBron is declining…someone clearly didn’t watch the Finals
He is not going West. East is the path of least resistance to a title. Has been for years.
Dreaaaaaaminnnnnn’
Imagine if he came to Boston. He won’t, because no one likes Boston, it’s not a good market, etc. But think about that team. They don’t have to make any trades, they keep all their lottery picks, and they just sign him next offseason. Sign a Rudy Gay type to a 1 year prove you’re healthy deal and that allows you to keep open max space next year if you make a couple other 1 year deals. That’s a scary team.
They won’t have max cap space in 2018 because of the cap holds on IT, Bradley, and Smart and in your scenario Rudy Gay’s cap hold as well
The best move either LA team could make would be to sign Griffin to an advisory role. That would be the “easiest” way to pave the way for Lebron