Jack McKinney: The Lakers Coach Who Revolutionized The Game

Who is Jack McKinney, the Lakers Coach?

Jack McKinney was an American professional basketball coach best known for his tenure as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1979 to 1982.

McKinney was born in Scottsdale, Pennsylvania, and played college basketball at Saint Joseph's University. After graduating, he began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Penn State University. In 1979, he was hired as the head coach of the Lakers, replacing Jerry West.

McKinney's tenure with the Lakers was marked by both success and tragedy. In his first season, he led the team to a 60-22 record and the NBA championship. However, in the following season, he was involved in a near-fatal bicycle accident that left him with severe head injuries.

McKinney never fully recovered from his injuries and was forced to retire from coaching in 1982. He died in 2018 at the age of 83.

Jack McKinney Lakers Coach

McKinney's Coaching Philosophy

McKinney was a proponent of an up-tempo, high-scoring style of play. He believed in pushing the pace of the game and getting his players to shoot as many shots as possible.

The Showtime Lakers

McKinney's Lakers teams were known as the "Showtime Lakers" because of their exciting style of play. The team was led by Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy, and they won the NBA championship in 1980 and 1982.

McKinney's Legacy

McKinney's legacy is one of innovation and success. He was a pioneer of the up-tempo style of play that is now common in the NBA. He also helped to develop some of the greatest players in NBA history.

FAQs about Jack McKinney, Lakers Coach

Here are some frequently asked questions about Jack McKinney, the Lakers coach:

Question 1: What was Jack McKinney's coaching philosophy?

Jack McKinney was a proponent of an up-tempo, high-scoring style of play. He believed in pushing the pace of the game and getting his players to shoot as many shots as possible. This style of play was later adopted by many other teams in the NBA.

Question 2: What were McKinney's accomplishments as the Lakers coach?

In his first season as the Lakers coach, McKinney led the team to a 60-22 record and the NBA championship. He also helped to develop some of the greatest players in NBA history, including Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy.

Question 3: What happened to McKinney after his coaching career?

In 1982, McKinney was involved in a near-fatal bicycle accident that left him with severe head injuries. He never fully recovered from his injuries and was forced to retire from coaching. He died in 2018 at the age of 83.

Summary: Jack McKinney was a successful and innovative coach who helped to shape the modern NBA. His legacy continues to inspire coaches and players today.

Jack McKinney

Jack McKinney was a pioneer in the NBA, implementing an up-tempo, high-scoring style of play that would later be adopted by many teams. As the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, he led the team to the NBA championship in 1980 and helped develop some of the greatest players in NBA history, including Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy.

McKinney's legacy extends beyond his coaching record. He was a true innovator who helped to shape the modern NBA. His impact on the game is still felt today, and he continues to inspire coaches and players alike.

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