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

By Jamaal Artis

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)
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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Todd Warshaw /Allsport – Los Angeles Dodgers
Todd Warshaw /Allsport – Los Angeles Dodgers /

Kurt Rambis

  • Years coached: 1999
  • Record: 24-13
  • Playoff games: 8 (3-5)

Kurt Rambis was a popular player in his two stints with the Lakers over a 14-year career in the NBA. His hard-nosed style and distinct glasses made him an instant fan favorite. When Rambis finally retired in 1995, he transitioned to coaching.

Rambis served as an assistant during Del Harris’ tenure as coach in the mid-90’s. When Harris was let go midway through the strike-shortened 1999 season, Rambis was elevated to the head job.

The Lakers under Rambis were seen as an underachieving bunch, as their two superstars Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant clashed, hindering the team’s ability to reach their potential. The Lakers made the playoffs despite the team’s internal strife but they went out terribly by getting swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round.

That summer, Phil Jackson was brought in to replace Rambis and the Lakers took off, starting the new millennium with three straight NBA titles. Despite losing the head coaching job, Rambis remained with the organization and eventually joined Jackson’s staff winning titles in 2002 and 2009.

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