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Los Angeles Lakers: The four head coaches that won the title in year one

By Jason Reed

SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 10: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during a preseason game as part of 2019 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 10, 2019 in Shanghai, China. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 10: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during a preseason game as part of 2019 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 10, 2019 in Shanghai, China. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by MIKE NELSON/AFP via Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by MIKE NELSON/AFP via Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

4. Phil Jackson, 1999-2000

Phil Jackson is in the limelight right now because of ESPN’s ongoing documentary about the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls, “The Last Dance”. On top of being the head coach during the Michael Jordan era and being the best head coach in Bulls history, Jackson could also make the case to be the best head coach in Lakers’ history as well.

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Jackson has the most games coached in Lakers history, the most wins in Lakers history, the most championships in Lakers history and is second in total winning percentage behind Pat Riley. Between the Bulls and Lakers, Jackson carved out arguably the most impressive coaching resume in league history, winning a total of 11 championships.

Jackson seemingly was done with his coaching career after the 1997-98 season with the Bulls and how badly it ended but after a year away from the sport, he joined the Lakers at the perfect time as they were ready to start yet another threepeat.

The 1999 Lakers were incredible. This team featured Shaquille O’Neal at his absolute best as the MVP of the league and saw the Lakers post a 67-15 record, although the road in the playoffs was bumpy.

You could make the case that the following season was even better, as Bryant was a year further in his progression and the team went 15-1 in the playoffs, but regardless, what the Lakers accomplished in Jackson’s first year with the team was remarkable.

Next. Building the all-time "second best" squad. dark

Frank Vogel is in a similar position as all of these other coaches: he took over the Los Angeles Lakers at the right time. Hopefully, we at least get the chance to see the Lakers finish off what they started this season.

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