Jerry West is hopeful he can help transform the fortunes of the Los Angeles Clippers after joining their executive board from Golden State on a two-year deal.
The 79-year-old former Finals MVP has been lured to the Staples Center on the back of helping the Warriors secure a second NBA title in three years.
West had been with Golden State since 2011 and his influence within the hierarchy was seen as a key factor in their revival.
He has now opted to move back to Los Angeles, where he spent the entirety of his career playing for the Lakers, winning the Championship in 1972 as well as coaching them for three years.
The West Virginia native is highly regarded within the basketball fraternity and his silhouette is the one featured on the NBA logo.
Having won the Pacific Division in both 2013 and 2014, the Clippers have been less assured in recent years, losing in the first round of the play-offs for each of the last two seasons.
Having spoken to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, coach Doc Rivers and executive vice president Lawrence Frank.
the former point guard admits he is excited about his new chapter, admitting it was an approach he found difficult to ignore.
“For them to want me to come here and maybe think I can help, I am really flattered,” West said.
“I think they want to establish their own identity in this town and that is what to me is most important – establish their own identity and ability to win at the very highest level.”
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