Los Angeles Lakers: How former Laker players fare as head coach

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: LeBron James #23 speaks with Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton during the second half of the game against the Washington Wizards at Staples Center on March 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

George Mikan

Years coached: 1958
Record: 9-30
Playoff Games: 0

The first former Lakers player to take the reins as head coach was their first superstar, George Mikan. As a player, Mikan set the standard for the NBA on how a big man should play. He was league’s first attraction and helped it grow and stay relevant in their early days.

The heavy toll Mikan dealt with in those early days where physical play was the norm pushed him to an early retirement at the age of 29 after winning five championships with the club.

After an abortive comeback, his former coach John Kundla coaxed him into returning as a coach in 1958. Unfortunately, Mikan would not last a year and the team had their worst season up to that point. Kundla took over again after Mikan resigned.

The only bright spot as a result of their terrible record the Lakers got the number one pick in the draft in the off-season. The team made a decent pick as well, selecting none other than Elgin Baylor.

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