The story between Jerry West and the Los Angeles Lakers has been a tragic one. After helping make the Lakers the franchise that it is today by drafting Kobe Bry

After working for the Lakers for 40 years, West's relationship with the team splintered beyond repair. "I almost wish," he told ESPN, "that I had never played or worked for them."

A new report from ESPN's Baxter Holmes details West's strained relationship with the Lakers during the final years of his life.

The Los Angeles Lakers will honor Jerry West this season with a No. 44 patch on their jerseys to celebrate the life of the legendary player and executive that spent decades with the organization.

NBA legend Jerry West reportedly expressed regret over his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, wishing he never played or worked for the team.

Jerry West, who passed away earlier this year, blames himself for what the Lakers did to his son, Ryan,  in 2019."I almost wish," West told ESPN, "that I had never played or worked for them."

Los Angeles Lakers legend Jerry West, who was the inspiration for the NBA logo, and won nine titles with the team as a player and executive, will be honored with a No. 44 jersey patch this season.

NBA legend Jerry West isn't on the best of terms with the Lakers franchise. In a recent story for ESPN, West opened up on the falling out with his former team and revealed that he'd almost prefer it if he were never associated with the 17x champions.

Jerry West will go down as one of the most influential figures in Los Angeles Lakers history. Unfortunately, his relationship with the organization fractured well before his death in June. The Hall of Famer was named an All-Star in each of his 14 seasons with the Lakers.