Rank’Em: Head coaches throughout the history of the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, boasting multiple championships, legendary players, and a long lineage of influential head coaches. Ranking the best coaches in franchise history requires evaluating their impact, success, and contributions to the team’s legacy. Here’s a ranking of the most significant head coaches in Lakers history.

1. Phil Jackson (1999–2004, 2005–2011)

Championships: 5 (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010)
Win Percentage: .705
Legacy: The most successful coach in Lakers history, Jackson brought his famed Triangle Offense to Los Angeles, helping Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant lead the team to a three-peat from 2000 to 2002. After returning in 2005, he guided the team to back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010 with Bryant as the undisputed leader. His calm demeanor, strategic brilliance, and ability to manage superstar egos make him the gold standard of Lakers coaches.

2. Pat Riley (1981–1990)

Championships: 4 (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
Win Percentage: .733
Legacy: The architect of the “Showtime” Lakers, Riley coached a fast-paced, high-energy team led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His ability to adapt to different eras and keep the team competitive resulted in four championships during the 1980s. His motivational tactics and slick leadership style cemented his legacy as one of the greatest NBA coaches.

3. John Kundla (1947–1958)

Championships: 5 (1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954)
Win Percentage: .598
Legacy: The first great Lakers coach, Kundla led the franchise (then in Minneapolis) to five championships, establishing them as an early NBA dynasty. He managed a dominant team featuring George Mikan and set the foundation for the Lakers’ long-term success.

4. Bill Sharman (1971–1976)

Championships: 1 (1972)
Win Percentage: .738
Legacy: Sharman transformed the Lakers into a disciplined, structured team, leading them to a then-record 69-win season and an NBA championship in 1972. His impact extended beyond coaching, as he later contributed to the Lakers’ success as an executive.

5. Frank Vogel (2019–2022)

Championships: 1 (2020)
Win Percentage: .623
Legacy: In his first season, Vogel guided the LeBron James–led Lakers to an NBA title in 2020 inside the bubble. His defensive schemes were a major reason for the team’s success, making him one of the more impactful coaches in recent franchise history.

6. Paul Westhead (1979–1981)

Championships: 1 (1980)
Win Percentage: .659
Legacy: Westhead won a championship in his first full season, utilizing an uptempo offense with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. However, he was dismissed early in the 1981-82 season following conflicts with Magic Johnson.

7. Fred Schaus (1960–1967)

Championships: 0
Win Percentage: .589
Legacy: Schaus coached the Lakers through their transition from Minneapolis to Los Angeles, leading teams featuring Jerry West and Elgin Baylor to multiple Finals appearances, though he never secured a championship.

8. Del Harris (1994–1999)

Championships: 0
Win Percentage: .624
Legacy: Harris helped develop a young Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, keeping the Lakers competitive in the late 1990s before Phil Jackson took over and led them to championships.

9. Mike Dunleavy (1990–1992)

Championships: 0
Win Percentage: .559
Legacy: Dunleavy led the post-Riley Lakers to the 1991 NBA Finals but was unable to sustain success as the team transitioned out of the Showtime era.

10. Byron Scott (2014–2016)

Championships: 0
Win Percentage: .207
Legacy: A former Showtime Laker, Scott struggled during his tenure, coaching during the team’s rebuilding years and overseeing Kobe Bryant’s farewell season in 2016.

Honorable Mentions:

Mike Brown (2011–2012): Struggled in a short tenure but had a strong defensive approach.
Luke Walton (2016–2019): Faced challenges in rebuilding years before LeBron’s arrival.
Darvin Ham (2022–present): Still early in his tenure, but led the Lakers to the 2023 Western Conference Finals.

The Lakers’ coaching history is filled with legends who have shaped the franchise’s legacy. While Phil Jackson stands as the greatest in terms of championships and impact, figures like Pat Riley, John Kundla, and Bill Sharman also left lasting marks. With each new era, the Lakers continue to seek leadership that upholds their championship pedigree.