2012 NBA Playoffs

Basketball legend Jerry West said the Los Angeles Lakers are no longer an elite team, believing only great offseason deals could lead the purple-and-gold back to title contention.

West claimed the Lakers' current roster makeup and aging core makes L.A's most-decorated basketball squad outside NBA's elite group.

"Their team is not dead, but they're not one of the four best teams in the league, I don't think, anymore," West told "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" on ESPN Radio Thursday. "They're very, very good. The people of Los Angeles have been fortunate in seeing so many good teams and so many championship-caliber teams, but to point the blame and blame this and blame that, give Oklahoma City credit."

Following the Lakers' 4-1 series loss to the young and explosive Thunder, the former Lakers GM said the current management must make moves to address their weaknesses their offseason.

"The Lakers have been historically good in going out in the offseason and getting pieces to be able to help them," West told ESPN. "It's going to be so much more difficult for them because of the high-salaried players they have that are getting older. Would someone want to make a trade with them for a player that's making $18 (million) or $19 million? Who knows that?

General manager Mitch Kupchak indicated the Lakers are going to be aggressive in making trades this offseason, including deals that possibly involve All-Star forward Pau Gasol.

The 73-year-old West added a good training camp and a year of playing under Mike Brown would certainly help the Lakers with regard to adjusting from the triangle offense they used to execute.

 

Jerry West Says Lakers No Longer Among Best