The late Jerry West was instrumental in building the Showtime era for the Purple and Gold in the 1980s. “Difficult day today. RIP my friend,” Showtime-era star Michael Cooper wrote on X after the sudden passing of Mr. Clutch on June 12, 2024. The emotions came rushing back to the Lakers’ legend today as the news of both their works being honored with an induction into the Hall of Fame saw light.

Michael Cooper played a crucial role for the Lakers during their Showtime-time era. In the process, he came to own five NBA championships. As known, courtesy in large part went to Jerry West who occupied the front office as General Manager throughout the 5 titles. In his executive role therein, West made some of the most crucial decisions for the visible outcome, including the draft of James Worthy.

Thus, the thought of not having West by his side in the Hall of Fame ceremony did not sit well with the veteran. A tweet from Lakers Nation read, “Michael Cooper is ‘hurt’ that Jerry West won’t be there when they both get inducted into the Hall of Fame later this year.”

West is getting inducted for the third time. For Cooper, it’s his first time getting inducted into the 2024 HoopClass. The 8x NBA All-Defensive Team member spent his entire NBA career with the Lakers, winning five titles, and is one of the basketball stars who witnessed West’s innumerable contributions to the franchise.

A reliable source on X, Broderic Turner of the L.A. Times shared how Cooper feels about West’s absence. “That’s the thing that hurts. When I found out today I started crying because I was going to really relish that because we go back to 1973. That man has been in my life all these years,” Cooper said as per Turner, considering West was there for 8 years of his 12-year run with the Lakers.

Magic Johnson credits Jerry West for the Lakers’ 17 NBA titles

The 5x NBA champion stated how despite some trying times, the Lakers legend never gave up on him. “Whether I was (messing) up, or doing good, Jerry was always there, man. ‘Michael you got to stop this craziness.’ He was just always there helping me along the path, kind of guiding me. Never quit on me.”

The Logo’s four decades with the Lakers almost made him synonymous with the franchise. Not just Cooper, but Magic Johnson, who shared a great friendship with Mr. Clutch since 1979, also holds a similar opinion.

While West’s relationship with the Lakers seemingly deteriorated after he joined the rival team, the Golden State Warriors, in 2011, his bond with the players was never harmed. Veterans and NBA greats such as Johnson even credit the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 17 NBA titles to the Logo, emphasizing on his ‘drafting expertize’. Furthermore, Michael Jordan also sent his condolences through Stephen A. Smith.

Not only the statistics, which boast eight championship titles, but it is also his friends’ and colleagues’ heartwarming tributes that better convey the message of West’s greatness. “You made everyone around you better,” Shaq had written for West and the many legends’ condolences widely attest.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.