Paul Westhead's career in basketball coaching is marked by his innovative approach and unique style. Known for his fast-paced offensive strategy, often referred to as "The System," Westhead's coaching journey took him through various teams and leagues, leaving a distinct legacy in the basketball world.
Westhead first gained national attention as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. He took over the team early in the 1979-1980 season after the previous coach, Jack McKinney, suffered a serious injury. Under Westhead's leadership, the Lakers won the NBA Championship in 1980, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers. This victory was largely attributed to the dynamic play of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who thrived under Westhead's fast-break style of play.
Despite the championship success, Westhead's tenure with the Lakers was short-lived. By the 1981-1982 season, tensions arose between Westhead and Magic Johnson, leading to Westhead's dismissal. The Lakers' management decided to replace him with Pat Riley, who would go on to have a long and storied career with the team.
After his time with the Lakers, Westhead continued to explore opportunities in the NBA. He took on the role of head coach for the Chicago Bulls during the 1982-1983 season. However, his stint with the Bulls was brief and less successful, as the team struggled to find its footing in the league.
Westhead's coaching journey then led him to the collegiate level, where he became the head coach of Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in 1985. It was at LMU that Westhead's offensive philosophy truly flourished. His teams were known for their high-scoring games and relentless pace, often leading the nation in scoring. The 1989-1990 LMU team, featuring stars like Hank Gathers and Bo Kimble, captured national attention with their thrilling style of play. Tragically, the season was overshadowed by the sudden death of Gathers, who collapsed during a game due to a heart condition.
Following his time at LMU, Westhead returned to the NBA, taking on coaching roles with the Denver Nuggets and later the Phoenix Suns. His tenure with the Nuggets was particularly challenging, as the team struggled to achieve success in a highly competitive league. Despite these challenges, Westhead remained committed to his fast-paced offensive strategy.
In addition to his NBA and collegiate coaching roles, Westhead also ventured into international basketball. He coached in the Japanese professional league, further expanding his coaching repertoire and influence.
Throughout his career, Westhead was known for his willingness to embrace unconventional strategies and his ability to adapt to different basketball environments.
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