Report: Clippers hired West with hope he'll help lure LeBron
A hefty price tag for new team consultant Jerry West will pay dividends should it help lead to the consensus greatest player on the planet signing with the Los Angeles Clippers next summer.
West's perceived ability to improve the team's chances of luring LeBron James in free agency next summer was a "significant factor" behind owner Steve Ballmer bringing him aboard, sources with knowledge of the situation told USA Today's Sam Amick.
It also explains Ballmer's willingness to pay West between $4-5 million annually for his new role.
West has been a huge advocate of James' in the past, defending his Finals record (which now stands at 3-5) to those who consider it a blemish on his career. The 79-year-old can certainly relate, having fallen in the Finals on eight occasions over nine trips.
Related - Jerry West: Role with Clippers is 'the last adventure of my life'
"The Logo" had worked with the Golden State Warriors since 2011 prior to joining the Clippers. James' Cleveland Cavaliers recently fell to the Warriors in five games in their bid to become back-to-back champions.
The four-time league Most Valuable Player is locked into his contract through 2017-18 for $33.2 million, with a player option the following year at $35.6 million.
Los Angeles is rumored to be a primary destination for James should he elect to leave Cleveland for a second time, with his wife reportedly keen on living in the area on a full-time basis.