West May Leave His Lakers Post

Jerry West says he’s going fishing - possibly for good.

West, whose nervous condition kept him from watching Game 6 of the NBA Finals when the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA championship, is reportedly set to retire as the team’s executive vice president.

“On Saturday, I’m flying to Alaska for five days with my family to do a little fishing,” West told the Long Beach Press-Telegram for a story Friday. He refused to comment further about his reported resignation.

Lakers spokesman John Black said Friday the team had no comment on the reports.

West has informed Lakers owner Jerry Buss that he is retiring, the Press-Telegram said, citing two NBA general managers it didn’t name and several other unspecified league sources.

The newspaper said West has been negotiating a severance pact with attorneys for the Lakers, who would like him to remain until at least Aug. 1, when free agent signings begin.

FoxSports.com reported Thursday night that multiple NBA sources confirmed the 62-year-old Hall of Famer had informed team officials he will leave before the start of next season.

However, the Web site said West is expected to remain in some capacity with the team, where he has been a key member for 40 years.

McGrady chooses Orlando

Free agent Tracy McGrady, who was courted by three NBA teams in the past week, announced Friday he is choosing the Orlando Magic because he wants to play close to home.

“Not too many superstars get a chance to play at home, and I just saw myself taking advantage of it,” McGrady said at a news conference at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex, where he works out.

The native of Auburndale, Fla., about 40 miles southwest of Orlando, will likely sign a six-year deal worth $67.5 million. NBA rules prohibit him from signing until Aug. 1.

McGrady averaged 15.4 points and 6.3 rebounds last season with the Toronto Raptors.

Utah signs first-round draft pick

DeShawn Stevenson, who was a high school student just a few weeks ago, is on his way to becoming a millionaire.

The Utah Jazz signed Stevenson, their first-round draft pick. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Washington Union High School in Fresno, Calif. was the 23rd selection in last month’s NBA draft.

Under the NBA’s rookie salary scale, Stevenson will earn up to $828,120 next season as part of a three-year deal worth as much as $2.67 million. The Jazz hold an option for a fourth year at an additional $1.6 million.

Last season, Stevenson averaged 30.4 points, 9.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists a game.