Shaquille O’Neal signed his $120 million Lakers contract in a rush after assembly Jerry West for the primary time
Jerry West was chargeable for bringing Shaquille O’Neal to the LA Lakers and getting Kobe Bryant in 1996. O’Neal solely had one assembly with West and was instantly satisfied to hitch the Lakers. West solely gained one title as a participant, however laid down the inspiration for eight Lakers championship groups.
In an look on “Jimmy Kimmel Stay” again in July 2019, Shaq shared that the Lakers weren’t even on his radar when he grew to become a free agent. However when West spoke to him for the very first time, he persuaded him to signal a seven-year, $120 million contract with the Lakers.
“After I was in Orlando, the Lakers weren’t even ready (to signal me.) I’ve one dialog with Jerry. And Jerry simply came visiting with a chunk of paper and stated, ‘You need the excellent news or the unhealthy information?’ I stated, ‘I will take the unhealthy information.’ He stated, ‘We will not get you 150 (million USD).’
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“I stated, ‘What’s the excellent news?’ ‘We are able to get you 120 (million USD).’ Give me that rattling paper (laughs). Actual clean and it was the primary time I met him.”
Jerry West was an government for the LA Lakers from 1979 to 2000. He was chargeable for constructing the “Showtime Lakers” that gained 5 NBA championships within the Nineteen Eighties. He did not have lots of success within the first half of the Nineties, however managed to get Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant in 1996.
Shaq and Kobe gained three NBA championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002. West was solely credited with the 2000 title, however he is one of many largest the explanation why the Lakers gained a three-peat.
Along with the Lakers, West was additionally an government for the Golden State Warriors from 2011 to 2017, profitable two NBA championships alongside the best way. He at present works for the LA Clippers, however they’re nonetheless ready for his or her first title ever.
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Shaquille O’Neal and Jerry West remained mates after their first assembly in 1996
Shaquille O’Neal and Jerry West solid a bond after they first met in 1996 when the LA Lakers have been pursuing the nice huge man. West advised the Los Angeles Occasions in 2017 how he was in a position to work with Shaq and the way they strengthened their relationship through the years.
“I felt a kinship with him,” West stated. “There’s nothing I ever advised him that wasn’t the reality. I by no means tried to deceive him. Would by no means underpay any participant, interval. I’ve a passion for him that goes past description. After I was round him, I felt higher.”
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