Could Jerry West Have Played with the Showtime Lakers?

Basketball is basketball… it is all about chemistry between players. Chemistry can make or break a team, even if you have talented individuals. I can remember the 76ers with their starting five literally being the starting five of the All-Star team for that season. They were swept in the playoffs. That was because they had talent but no chemistry. Jerry West was a team player in the purest form. The LA Lakers were a solid team and that was why they were successful.

As an East Coast basketball fan, I am still partial to my local teams. However, the Lakers were simply great, and they played as a team. They had players who would have started on any other team in the NBA, but they came off the bench for the Lakers. Another team that was built on chemistry was the Boston Celtics. The Chicago Bulls of the 1990s were yet another great team. Jerry West could have played successfully with any team, to include the Showtime Lakers and significantly contributed. So, in short … of course.

What made Jerry West a Championship Legend?

One of the reasons Jerry West considered to be such a significant player is his long-range shooting ability and playmaking skills. West was a prolific long-range shooter, even before the NBA adapted the 3-point shooting/scoring system. He was also a clutch scorer, known for his ability to deliver in critical moments.

Team Player Par Excellence

West's ability to be a team player cannot be overlooked. His distribution skills and defensive prowess made him a valuable asset. His superior ball-handling and ability to start fast-breaks and fast transitions from defense to offense put him in a league of his own. Despite the different playing styles, West could have thrived in the Showtime Lakers era. The transition to the 3-point era actually highlighted West's skill, showing that what goes around comes back around.

The Showtime Lakers

The Showtime Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, were a fast-paced team emphasizing fast-breaks and rapid transitions. While West may play a specific role in this format, his overall impact and contribution could be significant. His ability to distribute the ball and initiate plays would have been an asset on a team that relies on offensive fluidity.

Adapting to New Eras

West's game could easily be adapted to the modern day approach of shooting from the three-point range. This versatility demonstrates his ability to thrive in different eras of the game. Whether it was the slower, big-man centric game or the fast-paced, three-point-rich era, West had the skills to stand out. His clutch shooting ability and clutch moments are legendary, whether in the post-season or regular season.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Showtime Lakers had a distinct style and control the game in a different way, Jerry West's skills as a team player, long-range shooter, and clutch scorer make him a perfect candidate to play with any team, including the Lakers in their fast-paced era. Chemistry is key, and West's ability to fit into any team with ease makes him a timeless legend in basketball history.