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Kundla, the Lakers' original head coach, was
living in a Minneapolis assisted living facility in recent
years.
"On behalf of the entire Lakers organization, I'd like to
express our sadness at the passing of John Kundla," Lakers
president and co-owner Jeanie Buss said in a statement released
by the team. "John played an important role in the history of
the Lakers organization. ... In addition to his numerous
contributions to the Lakers and our legacy, John was a wonderful
man and will be remembered fondly."
Before the Lakers won titles with Hall of Fame centers Wilt
Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal, Kundla
presided over championship teams anchored by George Mikan.
The Lakers won the 1949 championship in the BAA, which is the
league that preceded the NBA. Kundla also led the Lakers to NBA
titles in 1950 and from 1952-54.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995 and during the
league's "NBA at 50" in 1996, Kundla was named one of the NBA's
10 greatest coaches.
Kundla began his tenure with the Lakers at 31 and finished with
a record of 423-302 after resigning in 1959 -- the year before
the team moved to Los Angeles.
After leaving the Lakers, he coached the men's basketball team
at the University of Minnesota and was the first coach in school
history to give scholarships to African-American players. In
nine seasons with the Golden Gophers, Kundla posted a 110-105
record.
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