NBA Legend Speaks To Browns Before 1st Practice Of Week 13

The Browns are kicking off their first practice in Los Angeles with a quick chat with one of basketball's biggest legends.

Hall of Famer Jerry West addressed the Browns prior to their practice Wednesday at The Wasserman Football Center at UCLA, where the Browns are preparing for their Week 13 matchup against the Rams.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski, whose father is an executive for the Pistons, initiated the meet-up with West, the 14-time NBA All-Star whose silhouette is the basis of the NBA logo.

"We're going to have Jerry West speak to the team today, which is just awesome, obviously," Stefanski said before the practice. "Personally, just to meet him and shake his hand and a legend in the game, not just as a player, but as a coach as an executive. So, you know, thrilled that he's able and gracious enough to give some of his time to our team and spend some time with us."

The Browns decided to stay in Los Angeles following their Week 12 game against the Broncos to prevent the team from partaking in two long flights out west in consecutive weeks and to create more team-bonding opportunities. The pre-practice chat with West is one example of that.

It’s not the first time Stefanski has tapped into the basketball world for team activities, either. He took the Browns to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ practice facility during spring practices prior to the 2022 season.

It’s also not the first time a basketball-centered story has emerged from the Browns this season — Pro Bowl edge rusher Myles Garrett has garnered some attention throughout the season for pulling off a pre-snap dribble move prior to certain plays. He also purchased a minority stake in the Cavs in October.

It’s unknown if the Browns have any other notable plans before they take on the Rams on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. EST at SoFi Stadium, but they’ll continue practicing on UCLA’s campus Thursday and Friday.