Los Angeles Lakers: 5 best coaches in franchise history to never win a ring

4. Jerry West (1976-79)

Yes, Jerry West won a ring as a player for the Lakers. However, during all three of his seasons as head coach, Los Angeles made the playoffs and finished in the top four teams in the West despite never reaching the NBA’s grandest stage.

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During his coaching career with the Lakers, West compiled a record of 145-101 (a 58.9 win percentage). It wasn’t a record to write home about, but it was an impressive showing for a player turned coach. It certainly helped his case that he had players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the roster, but that’s besides the point.

Unfortunately, after those three seasons, West decided to hang it up on his coaching career. After a few years of working as a scout, he returned to the Lakers front office as the general manager. In that role, he shined as bright as he did as a player. West helped build the Lakers dynasty of the 1980s while putting the pieces in place for the three-peat from 1999-02.

Obviously his biggest impacts came on the court and in the front office. Despite that fact, it’s clear that his efforts as the head coach were respectable as well. It’s interesting to imagine what sort of success he could have enjoyed if he had stayed in that role for longer than three seasons.

West isn’t remembered for his coaching chops. In fact, most of today’s Lakers fans don’t even know he coached the team. However, his time at the helm warrants recognition regardless.