Gary Vitti and Jerry West (Image Source: Getty Images)
Gary Vitti worked as the head trainer of the LA Lakers for more than three decades. After being involved with the franchise for so long, he had seen and heard many things that did not see the light of day. Recently, he let the cat out of the bag and let the world know of the Lakers’ treatment of Jerry West.
During an interview with ESPN, Vitti said, “The decisions that they’ve made, it makes it really hard to root for the Lakers. Not impossible. But it’s hard. Because you’re torn. Because there’s people that you love that were hurt.”
Legendary Lakers trainer Gary Vitti:
“The decisions that they’ve made, it makes it really hard to root for the Lakers.”
(via @mcten
) pic.twitter.com/eEoMYNgPpb— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 15, 2024
Jerry West distanced himself from the Lakers two decades ago and, since then, has never looked back. He became a part of the Grizzlies, the Golden State Warriors, and the Clippers most recently and stayed with his cross-city rivals till his final breath. The marginalization of West deeply saddened him and hence the sour divorce between the two names intertwined in NBA history.
Following his passing, messages and tributes came pouring in and after the likes of LeBron James and Magic Johnson, another Lakers player penned his tribute to the late great.
Ex-LA Lakers C Pays Homage to Jerry West
Jerry West’s passing came as a shock to many despite his age. As the whole of the NBA world mourned, the former Lakers center, Mark Madsen paid homage to the Logo.
Taking to social media, Madsen wrote a lengthy message to West and his family. He reminisced about the old days when he played for the Lakers and visited West’s house for dinner. He also revealed how his tips during backyard hooping made him a better player.
To Jerry West and Family,
My heart is full on hearing this heartbreaking news. You will always be an unbelievable person and someone who cared deeply for others. Even after you left the Lakers role of GM you stayed invested in each of us regardless of stature. I will never… pic.twitter.com/4J7HOoN9bs
— Mark Madsen (@madsen_mark) June 12, 2024
As an era came to an end with the 14-time NBA All-Star’s death, the only regret the Lakers fans have is that their franchise never made amends for their behaviour towards the pillar of the Western Conference powerhouse.
