Ranking The Greatest Lakers Head Coaches By Tiers

The Lakers' head coaching situation is not fixed by any means right now, as Darvin Ham is on the hot seat following the team’s exit in the first round of the 2024 playoffs at the hands of the Denver Nuggets. Ham has been in charge for two seasons, holding a 90-74 regular season over two seasons and also reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2023.

However, there is no doubt that Ham isn’t the best coach the Lakers have had in their illustrious history in professional basketball, dating back to the 1948-49 BAA season. The likes of Phil Jackson and Pat Riley have helped change the NBA game with their coaching styles and postseason success, and we have ranked the greatest coaches in Lakers history into tiers with the requirement that at least 100 games were coached from the sidelines.

Tier 1

Phil Jackson - 67.9% (Regular Season), 65.2% (Playoffs)

Phil Jackson's record with the Lakers: 610-292 (Regular Season), 118-63 (Playoffs), 5 NBA Championships, 7 NBA Finals

Phil Jackson's tenure as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers solidified his stance as the greatest coach in history following his six championship wins with the Chicago Bulls. What sets Jackson apart is not just his impressive win-loss record but also his mastery of managing egos and orchestrating team dynamics.

Under his guidance, the Lakers became a harmonious team, and his famed Triangle Offense became synonymous with Lakers basketball. This system enabled stars like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal to flourish while empowering role players to contribute meaningfully. Jackson was at the helm when the Lakers completed a three-peat between 2000 and 2002, and the Lakers over this period are considered one of the greatest teams ever.

Jackson's tenure was also marked by his ability to navigate adversity and bounce back from setbacks. Despite his unparalleled success, he experienced playoff defeats, providing invaluable lessons in resilience and fortitude. His losses served as catalysts for introspection and adjustment, leading to eventual triumphs. The 2004 NBA Finals loss to the Detroit Pistons stands as an example, prompting Jackson to reevaluate and refine his coaching approach in regards to team chemistry, ultimately guiding the Lakers to back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.

Among the superstars Jackson coached during his Lakers tenure, none loomed larger than Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal. Their transcendent talent, coupled with Jackson's strategic guidance, formed the cornerstone of the Lakers' championship dynasty. Bryant's will and relentless work ethic mirrored Jackson's own basketball mind which propelled the Lakers to greatness. Similarly, O'Neal's dominance in the paint provided Jackson with a formidable weapon, and he captured three Finals MVP awards as a result.

Tier 2

Pat Riley - 73.3% (Regular Season), 68.5% (Playoffs)

Pat Riley’s record with the Lakers: 533-194 (Regular Season), 102-47 (Playoffs), 4 NBA Championships, 7 NBA Finals

With a commanding regular-season record of 533 victories against 194 defeats, complemented by a stellar playoff performance of 102 wins and 47 losses, Pat Riley's tenure heralded an era of dominance for the Lakers franchise. Under his stewardship, the Lakers became synonymous with “Showtime” basketball, characterized by fast breaks, dazzling displays of athleticism, and relentless defensive pressure. Riley's emphasis on tenacity, discipline, and mental toughness transformed the Lakers into a formidable juggernaut in the 1980s.

Whether it was guiding Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to four titles in the 1980s or leading the "Showtime" Lakers to back-to-back championships in 1987 and 1988, Riley's tactical acumen and leadership were instrumental in shaping the Lakers' dynasty. Coaching some great players including James Worthy and Michael Cooper, none shone brighter than Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Their transcendent talent, coupled with Riley's strategic genius, formed the nucleus of the Lakers' championship dynasty.

Even if Riley did not win as many championships as Phil Jackson, his indelible impact on the franchise transcends mere records because he was the architect behind Showtime during the 1980s even if he had all-time great players to carry out his ideas.

John Kundla - 52.8% (Regular Season), 56.1% (Playoffs)

John Kundla’s record with the Lakers: 423-302 (Regular Season), 62-36 (Playoffs), 5 NBA Championships, 6 NBA Finals

John Kundla's tenure as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers stands as a testament to his prowess as a true pioneer of the game. With a commendable regular-season record of 423 victories against 302 defeats, complemented by a stellar playoff performance of 62 wins and 36 losses, Kundla left an indelible mark on the Lakers franchise. His five NBA championships, coupled with six Finals appearances means he belongs in Tier 2 with Pat Riley even if he had George Mikan.

What distinguishes Kundla is not just his impressive win-loss record but also his innovative approach to coaching and his ability to maximize the talents of his players. Under his guidance, the Lakers emerged as a dominant force in the NBA, blending disciplined execution with a relentless defensive mindset. Whether it was orchestrating the Minneapolis Lakers' triumphs in the 1950s or guiding the team through the transition to Los Angeles, Kundla's leadership was instrumental in shaping the franchise's identity and legacy.

Among the stars Kundla coached during his Lakers tenure, none were more important than the league’s first superstar, George Mikan. The dominant center's unparalleled scoring prowess and defensive prowess served as the linchpin of Kundla's championship-winning teams, providing a formidable inside presence that anchored the Lakers' success because he averaged 23.1 points and 13.4 rebounds per game over his career.

Tier 3

Bill Sharman - 60.0% (Regular Season), 59.5% (Playoffs)

Bill Sharman’s record with the Lakers: 246-164 (Regular Season), 22-15 (Playoffs), 1 NBA Championship, 2 NBA Finals

Bill Sharman's tenure with the Lakers wasn’t the longest but it was incredibly impactful. Despite coaching for five seasons, Sharman led the Lakers to the NBA Championship in 1972, defeating the New York Knicks in five games. What's particularly remarkable is that Sharman achieved this feat in just his first season as the Lakers head coach. Of course, it certainly helped that he had Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West as his star players.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Sharman's coaching career is his unique background as both a player and a coach. Before becoming a coach, Sharman enjoyed a distinguished playing career, winning four NBA Championships with the Boston Celtics and earning eight All-Star selections. His experience as a player undoubtedly informed his coaching style, allowing him to relate to his players on a deeper level and impart invaluable wisdom garnered from his own time on the court. His only Finals loss came in the 1973 season at the hands of the New York Knicks who exacted revenge in five games.

Frank Vogel - 56.4% (Regular Season), 66.7% (Playoffs)

Frank Vogel’s record with the Lakers: 127-98 (Regular Season), 18-9 (Playoffs), 1 NBA Championship, 1 NBA Finals

Frank Vogel's tenure with the Lakers was defined by his ability to unite a star-studded roster and guide them to a championship victory in 2020 during the Covid-shortened season. What makes Vogel's coaching achievement particularly compelling is the context in which it occurred. He was tasked with integrating new superstar talents like LeBron James and Anthony Davis while navigating the complexities of a competitive Western Conference during a pandemic.

Despite these challenges, Vogel's steady leadership and strategic acumen propelled the Lakers to their 17th NBA Championship, cementing his place in Lakers lore. A notable aspect of Vogel's coaching tenure is his emphasis on defensive excellence. Under his guidance, the Lakers developed into one of the league's top defensive units (4th in the league, 107.6 OPPG), with a suffocating defensive identity that stifled opponents and laid the foundation for their championship run which resulted in a six-game victory over the Miami Heat in the Finals. Vogel only lasted one more season before getting fired as the Lakers moved to Darvin Ham.

Paul Westhead - 68.9% (Regular Season), 68.4% (Playoffs)

Paul Westhead’s record with the Lakers: 111-50 (Regular Season), 13-6 (Playoffs), 1 NBA Championship, 1 NBA Finals

What set Paul Westhead apart was his bold and innovative approach to coaching, epitomized by his implementation of an up-tempo, fast-break style of play before Pat Riley unlocked true Showtime. Under his guidance, the Lakers became synonymous with high-flying, electrifying basketball, dazzling fans with their breathtaking speed and precision on the court.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Westhead's coaching tenure is the meteoric rise of Magic Johnson as the orchestrator of the Lakers' high-octane offense. Westhead's decision to deploy Johnson as the team's primary ball-handler revolutionized the point guard position, unleashing his full potential as a transcendent playmaker and igniting a basketball renaissance in Los Angeles. This strategic masterstroke not only transformed the Lakers into an offensive powerhouse but also laid the groundwork for their championship success.

Another intriguing facet of Westhead's coaching career is his resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Despite facing skepticism and criticism for his unorthodox coaching methods, Westhead remained steadfast in his commitment to his vision, leading the Lakers to a stunning NBA Championship in 1980. However, the Lakers made the bold move to fire Westhead into his third coaching season with the team, and Pat Riley delivered their NBA title in 1982.

Tier 4

Fred Schaus - 56.3% (Regular Season), 46.5% (Playoffs)

Fred Schaus’ record with the Lakers: 315-245 (Regular Season), 33-38 (Playoffs), 0 NBA Championships, 4 NBA Finals

Schaus' tenure with the Lakers marked a period of sustained competitiveness, albeit without capturing the ultimate prize. Despite falling short of an NBA championship, Schaus guided the Lakers to four NBA Finals appearances, showcasing his ability to consistently lead the team to the brink of greatness.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Schaus' coaching career is his role in shepherding the Lakers through a transitional period of franchise history. As the team made the transition from Minneapolis to Los Angeles in 1960, Schaus played a pivotal role in maintaining continuity and stability amidst the upheaval with stars such as Elgin Baylor and Jerry West.

Butch van Breda Kolff - 65.2% (Regular Season), 63.6% (Playoffs)

Butch van Breda Kolff’s record with the Lakers: 107-57 (Regular Season), 21-12 (Playoffs), 0 NBA Championships, 2 NBA Finals

Butch van Breda Kolff's tenure with the Lakers was characterized by a brief yet impactful stint that showcased his ability to maximize the talents of his players and guide the team to postseason success. Despite falling short of an NBA championship as well, his coaching style, marked by a focus on disciplined execution and defensive intensity, propelled the Lakers to new heights and instilled a sense of confidence and resilience within the team.

One of the most fascinating aspects of van Breda Kolff's coaching tenure is his ability to navigate adversity and rally his team in the face of formidable opponents. He had Jerry West and Elgin Baylor over his two seasons in charge, but still couldn’t win a title.

Mike Dunleavy - 61.6% (Regular Season), 56.5% (Playoffs)

Mike Dunleavy’s record with the Lakers: 101-63 (Regular Season), 13-10 (Playoffs), 0 NBA Championships, 1 NBA Finals

Mike Dunleavy's tenure with the Lakers was highlighted by a memorable run to the NBA Finals in 1991, showcasing his ability to guide the team to the pinnacle of postseason success. Despite not winning an NBA title, Dunleavy's coaching acumen and strategic savvy propelled the Lakers to their first Finals appearance since the Showtime era, rejuvenating the franchise and igniting a sense of hope and optimism among fans.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Dunleavy's coaching tenure is his role in revitalizing the Lakers' championship aspirations in the post-Showtime era. Tasked with leading a roster in transition, Dunleavy's emphasis on defensive intensity and disciplined execution helped the Lakers exceed expectations and emerge as a legitimate title contender around players such as Magic Johnson (1991) and James Worthy (1991 and 1992).

Joe Mullaney - 57.3% (Regular Season), 53.3% (Playoffs)

Joe Mullaney’s record with the Lakers: 94-70 (Regular Season), 16-14 (Playoffs), 0 NBA Championships, 1 NBA Finals

Mullaney's tenure with the Lakers was characterized by a brief yet impactful stint that lasted only two seasons. Despite falling short of an NBA championship in 1970 as he reached the Finals with Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, and Elgin Baylor on the team, Mullaney's tenure was still iconic during his time. His coaching style, marked by a focus on offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity, helped the Lakers compete at the highest level and instilled a sense of confidence and resilience within the team.

Unfortunately, Mullaney was unable to make the Finals again in 1971, as the Lakers lost in the Western Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks despite having Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain on the squad. The difference had to be that Elgin Baylor was 36 years old and was unable to make a difference in the Big Three.

Tier 5

Del Harris - 65.9% (Regular Season), 47.2% (Playoffs)

Del Harris’ record with the Lakers: 224-116 (Regular Season), 17-19 (Playoffs), 0 NBA Championships, 0 NBA Finals

Del Harris' tenure with the Lakers was marked by a strong regular-season performance, highlighted by his impressive record of 224 wins against 116 losses. Despite his success in the regular season, Harris faced challenges in translating that success to postseason glory, with a playoff record of 17 wins and 19 losses.

Despite falling short of an NBA Championship, Harris' tenure laid the groundwork for future success and provided stability during a transitional period for the Lakers franchise. One of the most notable aspects of Harris' coaching tenure is his ability to develop young talent and maximize the potential of his roster. Under his guidance, emerging stars like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal began to flourish, laying the foundation for the Lakers' return to prominence in the years to come.

Jerry West - 58.9% (Regular Season), 36.4% (Playoffs)

Jerry West’s record with the Lakers: 145-101 (Regular Season), 8-14 (Playoffs), 0 NBA Championships, 0 NBA Finals

Jerry West's tenure as head coach of the Lakers was marked by a solid regular-season performance, evidenced by his record of 145 wins against 101 losses. One of the most intriguing aspects of West's coaching tenure is his unique perspective as both a player and a coach. As one of the greatest players in NBA history, West brought a wealth of basketball knowledge and leadership experience to his coaching role.

While his coaching tenure may not have yielded a championship, West's impact on the Lakers franchise extends far beyond wins and losses, shaping the team's culture and legacy for years to come because the late 1970s Lakers were led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. West led the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals in his first season and never repeated that success with the team.

Darvin Ham - 54.9% (Regular Season), 50.0% (Playoffs)

Darvin Ham’s record with the Lakers: 90-74 (Regular Season), 9-12 (Playoffs), 0 NBA Championships, 0 NBA Finals

Darvin Ham had the difficult task of succeeding a championship-winning coach in Frank Vogel, taking charge in the 2023 season. Ham did not have the best start with the team, but an exceptional trade deadline window saw the Lakers revamp their roster and make the Western Conference Finals through the play-in tournament.

In 2024, Ham only won 47 games and was once again the leader of the team through the play-in tournament. Despite having LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the roster for two seasons, Ham failed to reach the NBA Finals and that could be the reason why he is likely not returning as the Lakers head coach in 2025.

Randy Pfund - 45.2% (Regular Season), 40.0% (Playoffs)

Randy Pfund’s record with the Lakers: 66-80 (Regular Season), 2-3 (Playoffs), 0 NBA Championships, 0 NBA Finals

Randy Pfund's tenure with the Lakers saw mixed results, with a regular-season record of 66 wins and 80 losses. Despite his efforts, Pfund faced challenges in translating regular-season success into playoff victories, with a postseason record of 2 wins and 3 losses.

Despite facing adversity on the court, Pfund remained dedicated to nurturing talent and instilling a sense of accountability within the Lakers organization. He was the Lakers coach in 1993 and 1994, seasons that did not have Shaquille O’Neal yet since the big man was a member of the Orlando Magic.

Mike D’Antoni - 43.5% (Regular Season), 0.00% (Playoffs)

Mike D’Antoni’s record with the Lakers: 67-87 (Regular Season), 0-4 (Playoffs), 0 NBA Championships, 0 NBA Finals

Mike D'Antoni's tenure with the Lakers was marked by a challenging regular-season record of 67 wins and 87 losses. Despite his success as a coach elsewhere, D'Antoni faced difficulties in finding the right formula for success with the Lakers. His tenure also saw a winless playoff record of 0 wins and 4 losses, further adding to the frustration of fans.

D'Antoni's coaching with the Lakers failed because of his renowned "Seven Seconds or Less" offense that did not fit the Lakers' roster and personnel. His tenure did not yield the desired results because Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Metta World Peace were clearly past their primes, and he takes a ton of blame for trying to make older players employ a run-and-gun style of play. Of course, Bryant’s torn Achilles occurred during D’Antoni’s reign as well.

Luke Walton - 39.8% (Regular Season), - (Playoffs)

Luke Walton’s record with the Lakers: 98-148 (Regular Season), 0-0 (Playoffs), 0 NBA Championships, 0 NBA Finals

Luke Walton's tenure with the Lakers saw him take the helm during a period of transition and rebuilding for the franchise. Walton faced the daunting task of guiding a young and developing team in a highly competitive Western Conference. Despite his efforts, Walton's tenure did not include any playoff appearances.

One notable aspect of Walton's coaching was his emphasis on player development and fostering a positive team culture. Despite facing challenges on the court, Walton remained committed to nurturing the talents of his players. His leadership and mentorship played a crucial role in the development of young talents like Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Kyle Kuzma, although the team still struggled with losing records.

Byron Scott - 22.7% (Regular Season), - (Playoffs)

Byron Scott’s record with the Lakers: 38-126 (Regular Season), 0-0 (Playoffs), 0 NBA Championships, 0 NBA Finals

The Lakers brought in Byron Scott in 2015 and 2016 to help instill toughness into a group led by an injury-prone and aged Kobe Bryant who was past his prime. Scott only won 21 games in his first season in charge, with Bryant only playing 35 games and the roster completely devoid of any stars or capable starting-caliber players.

Scott only won 17 games in 2016 and his season was mainly overcome with Kobe Bryant’s retirement tour. Bryant struggled in his final season, only posting 17.6 points per game, but his final game where he dropped 60 points including a game-winning shot was a fine ending to this difficult transition period for the Lakers.