Paul Westhead Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award by Coaches Association

Paul Westhead, the former head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, has been recognized for his significant contributions to basketball with the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the National Basketball Coaches Association. This commendation came just before Game 2 of the 2023 NBA Finals, featuring the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.

Westhead's coaching career began in the Philadelphia area, where he took the reins as head coach for La Salle University in 1970, all while teaching English with a focus on Shakespeare. In 1979, he joined the Lakers as an assistant under Jack McKinney, stepping up as head coach after McKinney suffered a serious bicycle accident. Under Westhead's leadership, the Lakers achieved a remarkable 60-22 record, clinching the NBA championship in 1980 against the Philadelphia 76ers.

However, Westhead's journey was not without challenges. He was dismissed early in the 1981-82 season after making controversial changes to the team's fast-paced style, which led to Magic Johnson expressing a desire to leave the team. Following his time with the Lakers, Westhead coached Loyola Marymount University, where he reinstated his high-tempo offense. Tragically, the program was shaken when star player Hank Gathers collapsed and died during a game in March 1990, prompting Westhead to resign shortly thereafter.

Westhead also had brief coaching stints with the Denver Nuggets and other NCAA teams, as well as in minor pro leagues. His most notable recent achievement includes leading the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury to a championship title in 2007. His last role was as an assistant coach for the University of Oregon's women's team in 2014.

Westhead's career reflects both triumph and tragedy, marking him as a significant figure in the evolution of basketball coaching.