Lakers Coaches Past

All-Time Los Angeles Lakers Head Coaches

A Legacy of Success

The Los Angeles Lakers franchise is one of the most storied in NBA history, with 17 championships to its name. Behind every championship team is a great coach, and the Lakers have had their fair share of them.

The Early Years

The Lakers' first head coach in the NBA was John Kundla, who coached the team from 1948 to 1958. Kundla led the Lakers to five championships during his tenure, establishing the franchise as a powerhouse in the league.

The Showtime Era

In the 1980s, the Lakers entered a new era of dominance under the leadership of coach Pat Riley. Riley led the Lakers to four championships, and his up-tempo style of play became known as "Showtime."

The Phil Jackson Era

The most successful coach in Lakers history is Phil Jackson, who coached the team from 1999 to 2011. Jackson won five championships with the Lakers, including three consecutive titles from 2000 to 2002. Jackson's success with the Lakers was due in large part to his ability to manage the egos of star players like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal.

Recent Success

In recent years, the Lakers have continued to find success under the leadership of coach Frank Vogel. Vogel led the Lakers to their 17th championship in 2020, his first year as head coach. Vogel's success is due to his ability to get the most out of his players, including stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Conclusion

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a long and successful history, and their head coaches have played a major role in that success. From John Kundla to Pat Riley to Phil Jackson to Frank Vogel, the Lakers have had some of the greatest coaches in NBA history. These coaches have led the Lakers to 17 championships, and they have helped to make the Lakers one of the most iconic franchises in all of sports.