Jerry West Says Clippers Job Is 'Last Adventure of My Life,' Talks Steve Ballmer

Jerry West helped build the Golden State Warriors into a champion during his six years as a special consultant and will look to do the same with the Los Angeles Clippers in what he called "the last adventure of my life."

West's comment came as he was introduced to the media Monday as a Clippers consultant, per Bill Oram of the Southern California News Group.

West also mentioned Clippers owner Steve Ballmer as a primary reason the team will eventually reach the next level, via Chris Walder of the Score: "They want to try and get to a different level, and I promise you the thing that's going to allow them to get to the next level is Steve Ballmer and his presence."

West will receive between $4-5 million annually from the Clippers, per Sam Amick of USA Today, who added West's ability to possibly land LeBron James as a free agent in 2018 was a "significant factor" for Ballmer.

The 79-year-old West will look to guide Los Angeles to the same heights as the Warriors and should provide critical help in those efforts if his work with Golden State is any indication. Warriors owner Joe Lacob called West "an incredible asset to our organization" in a statement relayed by Amick:

He heads to Los Angeles in what will be a crucial summer with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and JJ Redick all set to become free agents. Whether the team re-signs them, moves on or makes trades will set the course for its future.

West could play a role in either convincing them to stay or pitching other free agents for the Clippers. Chris Broussard of ESPN.com reported in July 2016 West spoke to Kevin Durant via telephone when Golden State was still pursuing the NBA Finals MVP in free agency.

Durant ultimately came to the Warriors and won a ring, which West called "probably the greatest thrill of my life" after the free-agent signee faced so much criticism, per Jovan Buha of ESPN.

West will be looking to create similar thrills with the Clippers.