Clippers View Jerry West As Asset In Eventual LeBron Pursuit

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.

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