'I would never get into that' - Why Jerry West refused to crown Kobe as the greatest Laker ever

Given his hefty resume and significant impact on the game, many regard Kobe Bryant as the greatest Los Angeles Lakers legend. Even Magic Johnson, who for a time held that distinction, has boldly proclaimed countless times that "The Black Mamba" is the greatest to don the Purple and Gold threads.

Is Kobe the Lakers GOAT?

Interestingly, Jerry West was uncomfortable passing the Lakers' GOAT tag just like that. While he acknowledges Kobe's outstanding contributions to the franchise, "The Logo" does not want to disrespect the others who came before the shooting guard.

"I would never get into that, to be honest with you. There's been so many unbelieveable players in Los Angeles, maybe the best of the best," West told ESPN in 2016. "And I just don't think you can get into those areas, I don't. Earvin Johnson, [Kareem] Abdul-Jabbar ... what an incredible player he is and doesn't get enough credit. Earvin ... one of the most unique players I've ever seen in my life. Shaquille O'Neal, my goodness, I'm going to miss somebody."

"(Kobe's) right at the top of the list, but he's also right at the top of the list of the NBA in all-time greats," Jerry pointed out.

At the time of the interview, Bryant had just retired from the NBA, and West looked back on the five-time champion's legendary career. Jerry cherished seeing the Lower Merion standout — whom he traded for in the 1996 NBA Draft — become so successful.

"To think 20 years later -- the kid was 17 years of age, couldn't even sign a contract -- to watch what he's accomplished in his career and to see what he's meant to the NBA, thousands of fans all over the country, it has a very warm place in my heart. I was very close to him for a long time," he added.

Like a son

There's no denying that Bryant is West's greatest draft discovery. Some thought it was preposterous for "Mr. Clutch" to trade away assets for an unproven 17-year-old kid. However, Jerry saw something in the Philly native that no one noticed.

However, though Kobe and Jerry's relationship started on the hardcourt, it developed into something deeper later on. When Bryant passed in 2020, West revealed that he saw the KB as his son.

"To try and remember him properly, I don't know how everyone does, but I know how I do," West said per ESPN. "I loved him like a son; I admired his talent. Leaders don't come as often, and when someone of his caliber leaves far too young, it takes a toll on a lot of people and, particularly on people that cared about him a lot."

Maybe this is why it was difficult for Jerry to put Kobe at the top of some list. That's because he regarded the Lakers star not just as any basketball superstar but as a great human being who lived his life to the fullest.