John Kundla's basketball career is best remembered for his tenure as the head coach of the Minneapolis Lakers, a team that dominated the early years of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on July 3, 1916, in Star Junction, Pennsylvania, Kundla grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he developed a love for basketball. After playing college basketball at the University of Minnesota, he served in the United States Navy during World War II. Upon returning, he began his coaching career at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota.

In 1947, Kundla was hired as the head coach of the Minneapolis Lakers, a team that was part of the National Basketball League (NBL) at the time. The Lakers, led by center George Mikan, quickly became a powerhouse under Kundla's leadership. In their first season with Kundla at the helm, the Lakers won the NBL championship. The following year, the team joined the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later merged with the NBL to form the NBA.

Kundla's coaching style emphasized teamwork and defense, which complemented the talents of his players. The Lakers won the BAA championship in 1949, and after the formation of the NBA, they continued their winning ways. Under Kundla's guidance, the Lakers secured five NBA championships in six years, from 1949 to 1954. This period of dominance was marked by the exceptional play of George Mikan, Vern Mikkelsen, Jim Pollard, and Slater Martin, all of whom thrived under Kundla's coaching.

Despite the team's success, Kundla remained humble and focused on the fundamentals of the game. He was known for his calm demeanor and ability to manage the diverse personalities on his team. His coaching philosophy was rooted in discipline and preparation, which helped the Lakers maintain their competitive edge.

In 1957, Kundla transitioned from coaching the Lakers to taking on a new role as the head coach of the University of Minnesota's men's basketball team. He spent nine seasons with the Golden Gophers, where he worked to develop young talent and instill the same principles that had brought him success in the professional ranks.

Kundla's influence on the game extended beyond his coaching achievements. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995, a testament to his contributions to the sport. His legacy is remembered as one of the architects of the Lakers' early success and as a mentor to many players who went on to have successful careers in basketball.

John Kundla passed away on July 23, 2017, at the age of 101.

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