Jerry West sad to see Kobe nearing end of career, wants him to leave on own terms

Kobe Bryant and Jerry West are inextricably linked.

"Mr. Clutch" resides near the top of multiple all-time Los Angeles Lakers' statistical rankings, right alongside "The Black Mamba" - a historical pairing for which West has himself to thank, since he was the man responsible for acquiring the then-skinny teenager from Pennsylvania in 1996.

West, then the Lakers' general manager, traded for a 17-year-old Bryant in what would later be considered one of the most lopsided draft-day transactions, and one that set the franchise up for nearly two decades of unparalleled on-court brilliance.

Now, a 37-year-old Bryant - beyond seasoned and past his prime - is gearing up for a 2015-16 season that many expect will be his last hurrah.

West, however, remains unconvinced that Bryant's swan song is drawing as nigh as some believe.

"He's said he's not going to play any more, but I think he's so competitive, I don't know how he would say no and goodbye to the sport," West told NBC Sports' Jerry Bonkowski.

"Depending on how he plays, you never know, he might play more."

Bryant, a veteran of 19 NBA seasons, was recently medically cleared and will reportedly be ready for the Lakers' training camp later this month.

However, the team's roster is comprised primarily of young talent, with Bryant qualifying as the lone elder statesman on the roster - raising questions about his role within the Lakers' long-term blueprint.

West, who currently serves as a consultant to the Golden State Warriors, does not want to see the franchise to which he was closely linked for several decades usher out Bryant in unceremonious fashion.

"I hope they don't have to drag him out because I want him to leave as every incredible athlete like him," West said. "I want him to leave when he feels it's the time it's to leave."

Reminiscing about the countless NBA legends who overstayed their welcome would be an exhaustive exercise. Seeing a player fighting to sustain his career in spite of dwindled physical capabilities and overall efficacy is often difficult for hoops fans to watch - including West himself.

"In many ways, it's sad to see an athlete whose time is near the end of his career," West lamented.

Nevertheless, Bryant will not be distracted, derailed, nor deterred, as he prepares for his 20th NBA go-around.

As the one responsible for ensuring that Bryant would cement his legacy in purple and gold, West speaks from first-hand experience when he envisions how the relationship between Kobe and the Lakers will come to a close.

"He won't be forced out," West said. "Trust me."