Former Lakers’ coach van Breda Kolff dies; led LA through two NBA Finals

Butch van Breda Kolff, 84, Los Angeles Lakers’ coach from 1967-69, died Wednesday, Aug. 22, at a Spokane Washington nursing home after a long illness. Van Breda Kolff, also well-known for coaching the Detroit Pistons and the Phoenix Suns, helped lead the Lakers to two NBA Final championships while the team - which included Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor - was under his guidance. The Lakers had records of 52-30 and 55-27 during the two seasons and lost both championship games to the Boston Celtics. Shortly after that time van Breda Kolff lost his position as head coach when Chamberlain took himself out of the seventh game in 1969 and the coach didn’t put him back in because his replacement was doing so well. The Lakers ended up losing the title game and van Breda Kolff was fired as a result.

The legendary coach and former New York Knicks team member (1946-1950) was also known for his presence at Princeton from 1962-67, helping shape basketball phenomenon Bill Bradley. Throughout his career, van Breda Kolff lead six teams to the NCAA Tournament at a time when tournament berths were scarce and won seven conference titles. As the Lakers gear up for their upcoming season, winning an NBA championship title are on players minds as they prepare for training camp. For Lakers’ tickets this season, visit Stubhub.com.

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