Lakers mourn Dean Smith’s passing

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CLEVELAND — The Lakers offered various tributes to the former North Carolina coach Dean Smith, who died on Saturday at 83.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak played for Smith when he starred with the Tarhells from 1972-76, a campaign that entailed winning ACC player of the year honors his senior year. Kupchak also starred on the 1976 U.S. Men’s national Olympic team that won gold.

“Coach Smith was one of the most influential people in my life, and his passing brings me great sadness,” Kupchak said in a statement released by the Lakers. “However, he was a great man and someone I loved and respected greatly, and I celebrate the fact that I knew him and had him in my life for as long as I did. His influence on my life didn’t end when I left Chapel Hill, as he was a trusted and valuable advisor to me when I became a player, then an executive in the NBA. He had a hugely positive impact on the lives of hundreds of young men who were lucky enough to call him Coach, and I was blessed to be among them.”

Meanwhile, Lakers coach Byron Scott called Smith “one of the best college coaches and one of the best coaches period” after winning two national championships with the Tarheels. Former Lakers forward James Worthy played on Smiths’ 1982 NCAA national championship team.

“Just listening to some of the things that James Worthy used to say about him as a coach and a mentor and friend, that’s what he was for most of the players that he had,” Scott said. “He wasn’t only a coach. He was a father figure and friend. Obviously the basketball world is missing a great man.”


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