NBA: Jerry West Trashed Lakers In Alleged Voicemail About Kawhi Leonard, Report Says

The man suing Jerry West and the Los Angeles Clippers over money owed to him for his role in Kawhi Leonard's recruitment, Johnny Wilkes, has shared a voicemail Friday that he claims was from the executive board member.

In the voicemail obtained by TMZ Sports, a man Wilkes says is West thanked him for his efforts in getting Leonard to sign with the Clippers. He can also be heard trashing the Los Angeles Lakers.

"Hey there, this is Jerry calling. I really want to thank you a lot for trying to help. I heard this morning that everyone over in the Lakers camp thinks they're gonna get him," the man, whom TMZ noted "sounds like West," allegedly said.

"I just find it hard to believe that he would want to go to that s--t show where he would not even be...wouldn't even get his name in the paper and he wouldn't be the face of the franchise that's for sure. He might be the best player on the team, but hope things are well and again, I really really appreciate everything you've done," he continued.

There is no doubt that had Leonard chosen the Lakers, he would have had to play behind LeBron James and probably Anthony Davis. Though the four-time champion is at a ripe age, the man speaking in the voicemail believes that Leonard would find it tough to overtake James.

There was another name included in the mix. A man named Sam Watson was believed to be in on it, TMZ reported, citing unnamed sources. According to the lawsuit, Wilkes told Watson that the Clippers needed to sign Paul George to get Leonard to sign and that this message was delivered to the team, the New York Post reported.

Wilkes is seeking $2.5 million from the Clippers, the amount said to be promised to him by West if he could deliver Leonard.

West has denied the accusations and said that he did not engage in any improper conduct in connection with the Leonard signing, TMZ reported.

The NBA has already launched an investigation into the matter. The Clips believe the accusations are full of inaccuracies and the allegations are baseless. They will also prove evidence to the league to show that the allegations are false.