By the time Michael Jordan entered the NBA in 1984, Jerry West already had multiple honors to his name. Not only was he an NBA champion as a player but had also won 7 Championships as an executive. West was the man behind creating the successful dynasty of the Lakers. And Shaquille O’Neal’s former agent Leonard Armato sheds light on the situation in an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports.

Our NBA enthusiast Vishal Kolar had another conversation with Leonard Armato, ex-agent of Shaq. Armato said it was West who was pretty much at the forefront of the negotiation regarding bringing O’Neal to the Lakers.

Armato: “I think Jerry West handled most of it himself. He’s the NBA logo he masterminded championships for the Lakers. So he had the respect of everybody. I mean everyone respected Jerry West. Michael Jordan respected Jerry West, Magic Johnson everyone.”

And after the tragic news of West passing away surfaced, Michael Jordan paid his condolences by sending out a message for Stephen A. Smith to read. “I am so deeply saddened at the news of Jerry’s passing. He was truly a friend and a mentor, like an older brother to me…He will forever be missed. My condolences to his family, Karen, and his sons. Rest in Peace, Logo.” And after the tragic news of West passing away surfaced, the 4x NBA Champion took to Instagram to pay his respects.

Leonard Armato further recalled how Shaq would address Jerry West as ‘Mr. West’ as a sign of respect. the 4x NBA Champion took to Instagram to pay his respects.

Shaq had great respect for Jerry West

Jerry West had nearly traded all of the Lakers’ roster to make cap space for Shaq. In doing so he also got Kobe Bryant traded from the Hornets. A move that only the 14X All-Star could envision. On his podcast, O’Neal revealed what West had said about adding Bryant to win the Championships. “Right when I was signing, he said, ‘I’m about to get this young kid from high school. We did a deal with Charlotte. We’re going to move Vlade [for] a kid named Kobe Bryant and y’all are going to win championships.‘”

On his Instagram Post, Shaq wrote, “Dear Mr. West, There are certain people that you come across, and from the moment you meet them, you know that your life is changed. That is what happened the moment that I met you. And, looking back on it, it all seems so obvious now. You were deliberate and purposeful. You were kind and thoughtful. And your insights into what was going to happen to a Lakers franchise that you loved were spot on.”

He ended his sentimental note with, “I will miss you. Much love to your entire family.” The accomplishments of West are long and the impact he left behind is no short either.