Amidst the welcoming of JJ Redick as the 29th head coach, we look at some of the coaches who have left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles Lakers legacy. This article delves into the track records of the most successful head coaches in the franchise’s history, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the team’s enduring success.
Pat Riley (.733)
Pat Riley is one of the most iconic figures in Lakers history. Under his leadership, the Lakers became synonymous with the fast-paced, high-scoring style “Showtime.” Riley’s tenure from 1981 to 1990 marked a period of unprecedented success for the Lakers.
His strategic brilliance and ability to manage star players like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led the team to four NBA championships in 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. Riley’s winning percentage of .733 in the regular season and .685 in the playoffs showcases his regular and postseason play effectiveness.
Phil Jackson (.700)
Phil Jackson, another coaching legend who won six titles with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, brought his unique approach to the Lakers, emphasizing mindfulness and team cohesion. Jackson’s two tenures with the Lakers (1999-2004 and 2005-2011) were highly successful, resulting in five NBA championships. His first stint saw the Lakers win three consecutive titles from 2000 to 2002, thanks to the dominant duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
Jackson returned to guide the team to two more championships in 2009 and 2010. Known for his triangle offense and calm demeanor, Jackson’s winning percentage of .700 in the regular season and .696 in the playoffs cements his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in the NBA’s history.
Under Jackson’s leadership, the Lakers were often favored in matchups against other teams. For instance, when playing against the Hawks, the Hawks’ betting odds would typically be less favorable than the Lakers’ odds. This consistent advantage underscores the strategic edge and winning culture that Jackson instilled in the team.
Paul Westhead (.689)
Paul Westhead’s brief stint as Lakers head coach from 1979 to 1981 is notable for its unexpected success. Westhead took over mid-season in 1979 and led the Lakers to an NBA championship in 1980, with Magic Johnson’s legendary performance in the Finals clinching the title. Despite his short tenure, Westhead’s winning percentage of .689 in the regular season and .684 in the playoffs reflects his ability to capitalize on the talent.
Frank Vogel (.667)
Frank Vogel, the most recent coach to lead the Lakers to a championship, guided the team to victory in the 2020 NBA Finals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vogel’s defensive understanding and ability to adapt to the unique circumstances of the NBA bubble were crucial to the Lakers’ success. With a regular-season winning percentage of .564 and a playoff winning percentage of .667, Vogel demonstrated his capability to lead a championship-caliber team.
Del Harris (.659)
Del Harris guided the Lakers through a transitional period in the mid-1990s. Harris’ tenure from 1994 to 1999 saw the development of young talents like Kobe Bryant and the acquisition of superstar Shaquille O’Neal. Harris’ coaching prowess earned him the NBA Coach of the Year award in the 1994-95 season. With a regular-season winning percentage of .659, Harris maintained a high level of performance, although his playoff success was limited.
Bill Sharman (.600)
Though not as widely recognized as Riley or Jackson, Bill Sharman played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ success in the early 1970s. Sharman’s innovative coaching methods and emphasis on conditioning led the Lakers to an NBA-record 33-game winning streak during the 1971-72 season. This remarkable feat was a testament to Sharman’s ability to maximize his players’ potential.
The Lakers won the NBA championship that year, and Sharman earned the NBA Coach of the Year award. His overall winning percentage of .600 in the regular season and .595 in the playoffs underscores his effectiveness as a coach.
Honorable Mentions
Other notable coaches who have contributed to the Lakers’ success include Butch van Breda Kolff, who led the team to two NBA Finals appearances in the late 1960s, and Mike Dunleavy, who guided the Lakers to the 1991 NBA Finals against Michael Jordan and the Bulls. While these coaches did not achieve the same sustained success as Riley, Jackson, or Sharman, their contributions remain essential to the Lakers’ history.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Lakers’ legacy is built on the foundations laid by exceptional head coaches. From Pat Riley’s Showtime era to Phil Jackson’s championship dynasties, these coaches have shaped the Lakers into one of the most successful franchises in the history of the NBA. Each coach brought their unique style and approach, contributing to the team’s enduring success and lasting impact on the basketball world.