Gary Vitti talks about Jerry West treatmentGary 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.”

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.

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.