News: Paul Westhead’s exit from his role as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in 1981 was influenced by a combination of factors. The primary reasons for his dismissal included a clash of coaching philosophies and strained relationships with key players, most notably Magic Johnson. Westhead’s coaching approach, famously known as “The System,” initially led to the Lakers’ success, resulting in an NBA championship during his first year as an interim head coach. However, when he assumed the permanent position, it created tensions within the team.
When did Paul Westhead Leave the Lakers?
Paul Westhead’s departure from his position as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers occurred during the 1981-82 NBA season. His exit followed a turbulent beginning to the season, characterized by a 2-4 win-loss record and strained relationships within the team.
The breaking point in Paul Westhead’s tenure as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers came during a game against the Utah Jazz when a clash between Magic Johnson and Westhead transpired. Johnson’s subsequent trade request, coupled with the team’s performance struggles and internal conflicts, ultimately culminated in Westhead’s dismissal.
After Paul Westhead’s exit, Pat Riley assumed coaching responsibilities and led the Lakers to a highly successful season, which culminated in yet another championship victory. This transition marked the conclusion of Westhead’s tenure with the Lakers, as Pat Riley adeptly took charge of the team and sustained their winning streak.
Westhead’s Tenure with the Lakers
Paul Westhead’s stint as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers was characterized by a blend of success and internal disputes. He assumed the coaching role following Jack McKinney’s bicycle accident, initially serving as an assistant coach before taking on the position of interim head coach.
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In his debut year as coach, the Lakers, with rookie Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leading the charge, secured the 1980 NBA Finals championship by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in six games. This victory heralded the commencement of the Lakers’ legendary Showtime era. Nevertheless, tensions soon emerged between Paul Westhead and Magic Johnson, leading to subsequent conflicts.
Disagreements between Magic Johnson and Paul Westhead revolved around the team’s offensive strategy. Johnson championed a fast-break style that harmonized with his playmaking skills, whereas Westhead favored a more isolation-oriented approach centered around Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. These differing philosophies led to tensions within the team.
With escalating tensions between Paul Westhead and Magic Johnson, the Lakers’ performance suffered, culminating in a playoff defeat against the Houston Rockets led by Moses Malone. The strained relationship between Westhead and Johnson ultimately resulted in Westhead’s early dismissal during his third season with the Lakers. He was succeeded by Pat Riley, an assistant coach he had previously hired.
While there has been speculation about Magic Johnson’s involvement in Paul Westhead’s departure, it’s worth noting that Lakers owner Jerry Buss had purportedly contemplated firing Westhead even before Johnson’s role became a factor. Westhead’s coaching tenure with the Lakers concluded with a record of 111 wins and 50 losses.
Paul Westhead’s Coaching Career
Paul Westhead’s coaching career is indeed marked by a wide-ranging and diverse array of experiences, spanning collegiate, professional, and international basketball leagues. His journey as a coach is characterized by numerous notable accomplishments and contributions to the sport.
Collegiate Coaching:
– Westhead began his coaching career at La Salle University, where he served as the head coach for the men’s basketball team from 1970 to 1979.
– During his time at La Salle, he achieved notable successes, including regular season and tournament championships in conferences such as the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) and the East Coast Conference (ECC).
– He later coached at Loyola Marymount University’s men’s basketball program from 1985 to 1990, achieving further recognition with regular season and tournament championships in the West Coast Conference (WCC). He was named WCC Coach of the Year twice during his tenure.
NBA Coaching:
– Westhead’s NBA coaching career began as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979. He then transitioned to the head coaching role and led the team to an NBA championship victory in 1980, thanks to the partnership of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
– He also served as the head coach for the Chicago Bulls in the 1982-83 season and later coached the Denver Nuggets from 1990 to 1992.
– Westhead’s NBA coaching record includes his time with the Lakers, the Bulls, and the Nuggets, accumulating a combined record of 183 wins and 224 losses.
Other Coaching Roles:
– Westhead ventured into coaching international basketball, serving as the head coach for the Panasonic Super Kangaroos and the Long Beach Jam.
– He also coached in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), achieving a championship victory as the head coach of the Phoenix Mercury in 2007.
– Westhead’s coaching career extended to the college level as well, coaching the men’s basketball team at George Mason University and eventually the women’s basketball team at the University of Oregon.
– Throughout his coaching career, he achieved championships, conference titles, and recognition for his coaching prowess across various levels of basketball. Paul Westhead’s coaching career left a lasting impact on the game with his innovative strategies, diverse coaching experiences, and significant accomplishments.
FAQs:
Q: What were the primary factors that led to Paul Westhead’s dismissal from the Los Angeles Lakers?
A: Paul Westhead’s firing from the Los Angeles Lakers was primarily due to a clash of coaching philosophies and strained relationships with key players, particularly Magic Johnson.
Q: When did Paul Westhead depart from the Los Angeles Lakers?
A: Paul Westhead left the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1981-82 NBA season after a turbulent start marked by a 2-4 record and internal conflicts.
Q: What is Paul Westhead’s coaching record during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers?
A: Paul Westhead’s coaching record with the Los Angeles Lakers includes 111 wins and 50 losses.
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