Trivia

Considered among the all-time greatest NBA head-coaches with his 11 Championships, his first six were as a coach of Chicago Bulls, in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 1998, with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen his two top players. His five as head-coaching the Los Angales Lakers were in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010. And his first two were as an athlete of the New York Knicks (original team name, Knickerbockers), were in 1970 and 1973. During one series, he was unable to play while recovering from an injury to his spine and spinal surgery.

Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers (September 1999)

After being away from the NBA for a year, has re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers as head coach. (June 2005)

Divorced his second wife June when she refused to moved to Los Angeles, California after he was named head coach of the L.A. Lakers on June 16, 1999.

Played for the New York Knicks 1967-1978, and the New Jersey Nets 1978-1980. His 2 NBA Championship rings as an athlete were in 1970 and 1973. Was a player/assistant coach combo for the Nets.

Was engaged to Jeanie Buss [Christmas 2012-Christmas 2016].

His parents were Pentecostal missionaries.

An All-American at the University of North Dakota.

Won a CBA (Continental Basketball Association) Championship as coach of the Albany (NY) Patroons in 1984.

Release of his book, "The Last Season: A Team in Search of its Soul". (2004)