Jerry West says his critical comments about the age of the Lakers were meant as a joke.

West described the intense reaction to what he said as "laughable" and just part of an "endless soap opera."

"You can't even have an opinion anymore," he said. "Everyone has an opinion. I was joking."

On Friday, West called L.A.'s 92-86 victory over the Celtics in Boston on Thursday as a "great win," adding he's more optimistic about the team's chances of winning another title.