Lakers News: Hall Of Fame Ex-LA Exec Unpacks Shohei Ohtani's Impending Free Agency

Will he stay in Anaheim?

Los Angeles Clippers front office consultant Jerry West, an NBA lifer who spent his entire pro playing career taking your Los Angeles Lakers to nine NBA Finals, winning one title in 1972, has now weighed in on the impending free agency of Anaheim Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.

During an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show," West was asked to think like an MLB general manager and predict the 2021 AL MVP's playing future.

“That’s an incredible question,” West said. “I pay attention to all sports, and every once in a while, one of these iconic players comes into any sport, and you’re enthralled by him. With him, he’s one of the most unique players I’ve ever seen in baseball."

“He’s such a draw. You can’t measure what he does for a team. In New York, people come to see the Yankees. They’re like the Dodgers — their name is going to be there forever. With him, the way he attracts people, all kinds of people. The closeness that fans feel to him."

“I would have a difficult time letting him go. I would do anything in my power to keep him.”

Later in the interview, West changed perspectives, wondering if the club would be amenable to moving on from Ohtani before he even reaches the open market, assuming he makes it clear to Anaheim that he will depart as a free agent.

“That’s the other side of the equation,” West said. “I think it’s real important to what you’re doing when you run a team. Establish close, personal relationships with these people. Make sure they know how much you care about them and want them. You need honesty. Today, it’s difficult to find that among agents and players, I think.”

West, a 6'3" Los Angeles Hall of Famer out of the University of West Virginia, was a 14-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA First Teamer and two-time All-NBA Second Teamer while with the Lakers.

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