Video: Jamaal Wilkes on Pride, Success and His Accomplishments

Jamaal WilkesAt Jamaal Wilkes’ press conference before the unveiling of his No.52 retired jersey, the Lakers legend shared genuine emotion and vivid stories with those of us in the room. Most notably, Wilkes opened up about his appreciation and admiration for John Wooden, as well as an instinctive and spiritual connection that he had with Magic Johnson and the 1982 Lakers team.

Let’s take a look back at some of the most memorable quotes from his press conference. The entire interview is posted below.

On pride and success:

“I prided myself on winning. I learned at a very young age, you can debate who the best player was or wasn’t, but you can’t debate who won or lost. So, that’s where my priorities went.”

“We had a real sense of pride in our team success. Of course we had issues going on all the time, under currents, but we never let it get in the way of our objective, which was to be the best in the NBA and represent the city of LA as best as we could.”

On the current Lakers team:

“My message would be: five, ten years from now…whatever you feel now, five ten years from now, you’re going to look back and feel differently…and that they have a great opportunity, and I would just encourage them to do whatever it takes. I mean if you’ve got to learn how to play differently or whatever, do whatever it takes to help this team be as successful as they can be, because ultimately that will be their legacy.”

On John Wooden:

“My manhood my credibility and everything was on the line.” (When John Wooden asked to observe his shot)

“For a young guy in LA, he was kinda corny but he really believed it [his philosophy], and I thank god for him.”

On his connection with Magic Johnson:

“Instinctively,  it wasn’t anything we talked about. It was just something that we all tuned into spiritually, we just knew it would be there.”

httpvhd://youtu.be/S6zDWUFRHXA

Reporter and Video Editor: @SerenaWinters

 

You May Also Like

Jeanie Buss Cautiously Optimistic Lakers ‘Are Back’ With Signing Of LeBron James

After enduring five consecutive seasons without qualifying for the NBA playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers successfully…

NBA Free Agency News: Lakers Announce Lance Stephenson Signing

The Los Angeles Lakers have made the signing of Lance Stephenson official, inking him to a deal that will reportedly pay…

Lakers News: Luke Walton Believes Turnovers Were Biggest Problem In Loss To Raptors

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton believes turnovers were the biggest problem in their 102-99 loss to the Toronto Raptors…

Lakers News: Jordan Clarkson Anticipates Wins In Early Season Showdowns

The NBA put forth the next step towards the beginning of training camp when they officially released the 2017 schedule…