# Lakers Head Coach John Kundla Passes Away at 101
Minneapolis, MN — The basketball world is mourning the loss of one of its earliest legends. John Kundla, the pioneering head coach who guided the Minneapolis Lakers to five NBA championships during the league’s formative years, has passed away at the age of 101. His death marks the end of an era that helped shape professional basketball into the global phenomenon it is today.
Kundla, born on July 3, 1916, in Star Junction, Pennsylvania, was more than just a successful coach—he was a basketball visionary. Taking the helm of the Lakers in 1948, Kundla led a team anchored by Hall of Fame center George Mikan, often considered the NBA’s first true superstar. Together, they dominated the fledgling league, capturing titles in 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, and 1954.
Before his professional coaching career, Kundla played college basketball at the University of Minnesota, where he later began his coaching journey. Known for his calm demeanor and cerebral approach to the game, he earned a reputation for discipline, innovation, and respect. Under his guidance, the Lakers became a model of teamwork and strategy, setting standards that would influence generations of coaches.
“John Kundla was one of the true architects of the NBA,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a statement. “His leadership helped establish a foundation of excellence for one of the league’s most storied franchises. His contributions to the game will never be forgotten.”
Kundla’s coaching career with the Lakers spanned nearly a decade, during which his teams compiled an impressive 423–302 record. After the Lakers moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles in 1960, Kundla transitioned back to college basketball, returning to coach his alma mater, the University of Minnesota, from 1959 to 1968. Even after stepping away from coaching, he remained deeply involved in the sport, mentoring young athletes and staying active in the Minneapolis community.
Known for his humility, Kundla rarely sought the spotlight despite his achievements. In interviews later in life, he often credited his players—especially George Mikan, Vern Mikkelsen, and Jim Pollard—for the Lakers’ success. “They made me look good,” Kundla once said with a laugh. “I just tried to put them in the best position to win.”
His legacy was officially recognized in 1995, when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. At the time, many basketball historians hailed him as one of the most underrated coaches in the history of the sport.
In his later years, Kundla lived quietly in Minneapolis, frequently attending local basketball games and community events. Friends and family describe him as kind, sharp-witted, and deeply passionate about teaching the game he loved.
John Kundla leaves behind a lasting impact—not only on the Lakers organization but also on the entire sport of basketball. His life’s work stands as a testament to leadership, innovation, and integrity.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and countless players and fans who continue to celebrate his extraordinary life and career.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but tributes have already begun pouring in from across the basketball world, honoring a man who helped turn the Lakers into champions and the NBA into a legacy.
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