Who's The Greatest Coach In Los Angeles Lakers History?

Mar 6, 2026

In this series, we’ll take a look at the illustrious list of head coaches in each NBA franchise’s history. To make a case for ‘greatest coach,’ we’ll look at win-loss record, player development, and (most importantly) team accomplishments under that coach’s tutelage.

Today, the Los Angeles Lakers can lay claim to the title of the most popular NBA team.

Throughout the years, this franchise’s flashy style and winning ways have contributed to its prominence in the basketball world. Behind the iconic athletes that led to packed venues and skyrocketing ratings were superb mentors who brought their distinct brands of excellence to Tinseltown.

At times, the Lakers have been a dazzling run-and-gun team. On other occasions, they have been a methodical juggernaut. No matter the style, the Lakers’ winning ways have leaned heavily on the genius that is the team’s head coach.

Back when the Lakers were based in Minneapolis, they had the privilege of being led by John Kundla. The former University of Minnesota standout helped establish the Lakers as a powerhouse in the NBA’s early years, winning five NBA titles between 1949 and 1954. All-Stars like George Mikan, Jim Pollard, and Vern Mikkelsen thrived under Kundla’s leadership.

Fast forward to the ‘80s, when the Lakers hired former broadcaster Pat Riley to run the show. Riley, who is renowned for his strict demeanor and his sleek formal apparel, unleashed the “Showtime” Lakers on the rest of the opposition. With Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, and other elite talents running Riley’s system to perfection, the Lakers won four NBA titles under the watch of “The Godfather.”

Another five NBA championships would be added to the Lakers’ cache, courtesy of Phil Jackson. The former architect of the ‘90s Chicago dynasty would establish a new era of dominance in the City of Angels. Thanks to the success of the triangle offense run by the likes of Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, and Pau Gasol, Jackson bookended the 2000s with championship parades.

Deutsch, R. (2002). Phil Jackson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant [Photo], Imagn Images

This is a tough call, but the nod goes to Jackson as the greatest Lakers coach ever. With 610 regular-season wins and 118 playoff victories under his belt, Jackson is the winningest mentor on this list.

Written by Dave Blinebury

Dave Blinebury is a sports die-hard who has written extensively about the careers and achievements of NBA athletes. He has also covered the intensity of FIBA tournaments, watched Brittney Sykes sink the title-clinching shot in the first season of Unrivaled, and waxed poetic about Olympic boxing.