In the sprawling saga of the Los Angeles Lakers, a tale woven with the golden threads of victory and the occasional shadow of defeat, the coaches are pivotal architects of the franchise’s storied legacy. From the sidelines, these tacticians have shaped not just games but eras, crafting strategies that resonate through the annals of NBA history. Among them, Darvin Ham emerges as the latest bearer of this hefty legacy. He steered the Lakers to playoff berths in his first two seasons, signaling a promising revival of the team’s competitive spirit.
Ham led the Lakers to the 7th seed during the 2024 NBA season. Under the new playoff format, they will meet the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday in a double-elimination scenario. Though they start on the road, the best sportsbooks in Ontario have Los Angeles as the slight favorite against New Orleans in what would be the first step toward the NBA Finals, a critical milestone if Ham is ever to be considered amongst Laker legendary coaches.
Historical Overview
The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the NBA’s flagship franchises, have enjoyed a storied existence characterized by 17 championship titles, a feat matched only by the Boston Celtics. Their journey to the pinnacle of basketball success is a tapestry of legendary coaches who have steered the team through 32 NBA Finals appearances—a record ten more than any other team.
Phil Jackson: The Zen Master
Phil Jackson is heralded as one of the greatest if not the greatest, coaches in Lakers history. Arriving in Los Angeles in 1999 after a successful tenure with the Chicago Bulls, Jackson quickly translated his vision into success, capturing the NBA title in each of his first three seasons with the team. Even after the departure of Shaquille O’Neal in 2004, Jackson adeptly led the team, including star Kobe Bryant, to two more championships in 2009 and 2010. His ability to secure titles across different eras cements his legendary status.
Bill Sharman: The Streak Architect
Taking the helm in the early 1970s, Bill Sharman masterminded the Lakers’ 33-game winning streak—a formidable record that still stands. During the 65 days between November 1971 and January 1972, Sharman’s team, powered by the likes of Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain, not only remained unbeaten but did so with an average winning margin of 17 points, culminating in the Lakers’ first championship since 1954.
Pat Riley: The Godfather of Showtime
Pat Riley, another luminary in the Lakers’ coaching legacy, transitioned from player under Sharman to an eleven-year coaching stint, starting as an assistant before taking the lead role in 1981. His tenure is synonymous with the ‘Showtime’ Lakers—a period defined by an exciting, high-octane style of play that captivated fans and overwhelmed opponents. Under Riley’s leadership, the team claimed four NBA titles, adding to the franchise’s illustrious history.
Legacy of Success
These influential coaches, Sharman, Riley, and Jackson, have each contributed to the franchise’s championship-laden history and sculpt the Lakers’ enduring legacy in the NBA and broader sports landscape. As Darvin Ham continues to shape his narrative with the team, the Lakers’ saga of success and high expectations marches on, enriched by the foundations laid by his illustrious predecessors.
