AGM of an NBA franchise sometimes has to make tough decisions based on the team’s sporting perspective rather than personal feelings.

Jerry West, who led the Los Angeles Lakers front office for nearly two decades, encountered such a decision in February 1993. Reluctantly, he had to trade Sam Perkins, whom he described as “one of the best guys we’ve had come through here.” To emphasize that the player was by no means at fault for ending their collaboration, Mr. Clutch made sure to state it publicly.

“Believe me, this isn’t a trade I wanted to make. I just think it’s going to make us better in the future. And please do me a favor, say nice things about Sam; he’s really down about this. He doesn’t want to go. You can rip me to shreds; I understand those things, and you have a job to do. But please take care of Sam,” West told the press, per Yahoo Sports.

Perkins’ journey to the NBA

While with the Tar Heels in the early ’80s, Perkins was teammates with Michael Jordan and James Worthy, who both became Hall of Famers. Sam, however, had the potential to eventually become one as well.

The 6’9″ forward-center graduated as North Carolina’s all-time leader in rebounds and blocks and was the team’s second-highest scorer. Consequently, the Dallas Mavericks selected him fourth overall in the 1984 NBA Draft.

After six years in Texas, the All-Rookie First Team member was brought to the City of Angels by West, who had been the Lakers’ GM since 1982.

“It was a whole ‘nother level of playing professionally,” Perkins recounted about his move. “You had [Mitch] Kupchak, [Jerry] West, [Jerry] Buss, [A.C.] Green, [James] Worthy, [Magic] Johnson, [Byron] Scott. I had a whole slew of guys.”

Sam quickly made an impact with the Purple and Gold, scoring 28 points in his Lakers starting debut. In the following years, the New York native established himself as one of the league’s best 3-point-shooting big men, once setting a then-record by going 8-for-8 from deep in a game.

Why the Lakers decided to trade Perkins

Big Smooth was not only a skilled shooter but also an exceptional defender with an impressive wingspan, once prompting West to remark, “You just don’t find big people that versatile.”

However, after the Lakers’ impressive run to the Finals in 1991, their dominance began to wane. The 1992 playoffs saw them exit in the first round, and by the mid-1992-93 season, they were struggling with a 26-23 record.

This decline prompted Jerry and the front office to start rebuilding the team. At 31, Perkins no longer fit into their plans, leading to his trade to Seattle.

Looking back, the move turned out well for Sam. He settled into the community and found that SuperSonics coach George Karl’s style suited his game perfectly. In hindsight, the former NBA player fondly recalls his five-year stint in Seattle as a “good time.”