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Sports / Basketball
Lakers mourn former coach Van Breda Kolff
(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-08-24 10:37
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Lakers paid tribute on Thursday to former
head coach Bill "Butch" Van Breda Kolff, who died after a long illness
the previous day aged 84.
Van Breda Kolff, who produced a win-loss record of 482-272 in 28 seasons
as a college coach, guided the Lakers to two NBA Finals appearances
between 1967 and 1969.
"Although it was many years ago and before my ownership of the team,
Butch Van Breda Kolff was an important part of the Lakers' success during
our early years in Los Angeles," Lakers owner Jerry Buss said in a
statement.
"We're sorry to hear of his passing and would like to send our
condolences to his family and friends."
Jerry West, who played for the Lakers under Van Breda Kolff and alongside
basketball great Wilt Chamberlain, added: "Butch was a real basketball
purist who believed in a team-oriented game and I enjoyed playing for him
very much."
"I'm saddened to hear that he's passed away and send my deepest
sympathies to his family."
Van Breda Kolff, who posted a 287-316 record in 10 seasons as an NBA and
ABA coach, died on Wednesday afternoon at a nursing home in Spokane,
Washington.
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