Friday, October 25, 2013

RIP Bill Sharman 1926-2013

Sad news around the Laker Nation and the NBA world. Bill Sharman, and NBA legend in his own right as a player and a head coach passed away today this morning in his private home in Redondo Beach, California. He was 87 years old.

Laker Nation, for any of you who are sports history lovers like myself or youngsters who are fans, but don't know the rich history behind the franchise also like myself in a way, Coach Sharman was the head coach when the Lakers undergone a historical winning season during the 1971-72. Under Sharman, the Lakers lead by Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Gail Goodrich compiled a 69-13 record, of course broken by Michael Jordan and the Bulls in the 1995-96 with a 72-10 record. The 1971-72 Lakers also set the record of the best regular season winning streak in the NBA at 33, which still stands as the best winning streak in NBA history. Sharman coached the Lakers to two NBA Finals in 1972 and 1973 where the Lakers won the franchise's first title in Los Angeles in 1972 and lost in 1973 both against the New York Knicks. Coach Sharman will be sorely missed by all.

No comments: