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Sports / Basketball |
Lakers mourn former coach Van Breda Kolff(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-08-24 10:37 LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Lakers paid tribute on Thursday to former head coach Bill "Butch" Van Breda Kolff, who died after a long illness the previous day aged 84. Van Breda Kolff, who produced a win-loss record of 482-272 in 28 seasons as a college coach, guided the Lakers to two NBA Finals appearances between 1967 and 1969. "Although it was many years ago and before my ownership of the team, Butch Van Breda Kolff was an important part of the Lakers' success during our early years in Los Angeles," Lakers owner Jerry Buss said in a statement. "We're sorry to hear of his passing and would like to send our condolences to his family and friends." Jerry West, who played for the Lakers under Van Breda Kolff and alongside basketball great Wilt Chamberlain, added: "Butch was a real basketball purist who believed in a team-oriented game and I enjoyed playing for him very much." "I'm saddened to hear that he's passed away and send my deepest sympathies to his family." Van Breda Kolff, who posted a 287-316 record in 10 seasons as an NBA and ABA coach, died on Wednesday afternoon at a nursing home in Spokane, Washington. |
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