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The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic and successful teams in the history of the NBA. With 17 championships to their name, the Lakers’ history is rich with legendary players, unforgettable moments, and a series of head coaches who have left a profound impact on the franchise. Pat Riley, perhaps the most iconic coach in Lakers history, led the team to four NBA titles during the 1980s, but before him, there were other notable coaches who laid the groundwork for the Lakers’ dominance.
One key question that often arises among Lakers fans is: Who was the Lakers coach before Pat Riley? The answer to this question leads us through the era of coaches who helped shape the team before Riley took over in 1981.
To understand the context of Pat Riley’s rise to prominence, we must first explore the coaching landscape of the Lakers, starting with the years immediately before his tenure. The Lakers’ coaching history is filled with interesting figures, but two coaches in particular stand out as Riley's immediate predecessors: Jerry West and Paul Westhead.
The Early Days of Lakers Coaching
Before we get into the specifics of the coaches immediately before Riley, let’s briefly look back at the beginnings of the Lakers franchise. The Lakers were originally based in Minneapolis and had different coaches in their early days, but their first real taste of success came under coach John Kundla. Kundla was the head coach of the Minneapolis Lakers from 1949 to 1959, leading them to five NBA championships. His success helped establish the Lakers as a major contender in the early years of the NBA.
When the team moved to Los Angeles in 1960, they brought with them a new roster, including the likes of Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, who would go on to define the team for decades. Over the years, the team would undergo changes in coaching, with Fred Schaus, Bill Sharman, and others taking the helm.
Bill Sharman: The Architect of the 1972 Championship Team
Before Pat Riley became the Lakers’ head coach, Bill Sharman was an influential figure who laid the foundation for the team’s future success. Sharman took over as head coach in 1971 and guided the team to an NBA championship in 1972, a feat that would set the stage for the future success of the Lakers. Under his leadership, the Lakers dominated the league with a then-record 69 wins in the regular season.
Sharman was known for his innovative approach to the game, which included a heavy focus on the importance of conditioning and mental preparation. He was also the first coach to implement a rigorous, high-tempo style of play that the Lakers would later embrace under Riley. Sharman’s ability to manage star players like Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Gail Goodrich, while keeping the team focused on the ultimate goal, was a defining characteristic of his coaching style.
However, despite the Lakers' regular-season success, they were not able to secure another championship under Sharman. After the 1972-73 season, Sharman stepped down as head coach. Though he had brought the Lakers back to prominence, the team still fell short of consistent championship glory, paving the way for the next era of Lakers coaching.
The Transition to Paul Westhead
After Sharman’s departure, the Lakers turned to Paul Westhead, a coach who was known for his fast-paced offensive system. Westhead’s coaching tenure with the Lakers began in 1979, and his impact was felt immediately. Westhead was tasked with maintaining the team’s high level of performance while also managing an evolving roster that featured the rising star, Magic Johnson.
Westhead's coaching style was more open and fluid compared to Sharman’s, emphasizing fast breaks, constant movement, and a more relaxed approach to defense. This system worked well, at least in the short term, as the Lakers managed to win the 1980 NBA championship in Westhead’s first season as head coach. However, despite this early success, Westhead’s tenure would not be as enduring as some of his predecessors.who was the lakers coach before pat riley
The Magic of Magic Johnson and the Lakers’ Early 1980s Success
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who was the lakers coach before pat riley - lakers NBA coaches
