Tex Winter suffers apparent stroke
Terrible news from Salt Lake City. I spoke with KCAL/ESPN Radio's John Ireland, with the team in Salt Lake City, and he is reporting that Lakers assistant coach Tex Winter, 87, architect of the triangle offense, has suffered an apparent stroke. Winter is currently hospitalized in Manhattan, Kansas, where he was celebrating a 50th reunion of the Kansas State team he led to the Final Four in 1958.
Phil Jackson, for whom Winter has been a longtime mentor and coaching model, has spoken to Winter's family and will, at their behest, stay in Utah to coach the team.
Via John Black, head of PR for the Lakers, word is that Winter has made a little bit of progress over the last couple of hours, but is by no means out of the woods. There should be more soon from the LAT's Broderick Turner on the main Lakers page, and as we get more information we'll pass it along.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tex and his family.
BK
Oh my God. This absolutely terrible! Hopefully it's just mild, and not that serious.
Posted by: titejt | April 25, 2009 at 12:38 PM
Terrible news!!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tex and his family.
Amen to that BK
Posted by: Kobeblitz | April 25, 2009 at 12:38 PM
Get Well Tex
Posted by: Lakers Fan 24 | April 25, 2009 at 12:57 PM
As bad as bad news gets.
He's Phil's better basketball half. Talk about a life well lead, he's been more than just active in his advanced years. He's been vital.
My prayers and my money are on him to pull through this and be on the podium this June on Figueroa.
Posted by: Vman | April 25, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Get well soon Tex, we'll win this one for you.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | April 25, 2009 at 01:01 PM
Best wishes to Tex for a speedy and full recovery.
Let's win this one tonight for him.
Posted by: In the Zen Master We Trust | April 25, 2009 at 01:02 PM
Get Well Soon, our prayers from the Lakers Blog family.
Lakers, win this game convincingly in honor of Tex Winter.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 25, 2009 at 01:03 PM
Outspoken and Dedicated. He's put his full mark on the team we love.
Good Luck to Tex and his Family
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | April 25, 2009 at 01:10 PM
What a bummer. Who can blame Tex based on how the Lakers have been running his offense lately?
Now that I've gotten the joke in bad taste out of the way, no one else has to do it.
I'm crossing my fingers for the Lakers today.
Posted by: Benjamin | April 25, 2009 at 01:11 PM
Oh yeah.
Tex, get well soon and thanks for the offense!
Posted by: Benjamin | April 25, 2009 at 01:24 PM
Tex Winters has been one of the most brilliant basketball minds. It is his offense that made Michael Jordan from a isolation plays shot jacker to a team player that became one of the greatest of all time. His emphasis on team play gave the Bulls the team of the decade.
TEAM play was his model. Not the isolation, less fundamental, more jacking up shots, highlight reel plays of today. It helped make Michael what he is today and help made Shaq help being the most dominant center of his time. Kobe I'm hoping stays more in the offense and score more efficiently.
Get well Tex.
Posted by: Kobeblitz | April 25, 2009 at 01:44 PM
BK,
Sad News about Tex. Get well soon and recover fully, Tex. We love you and you’ll be in our prayers. We win tonight for you.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 25, 2009 at 01:45 PM
best wishes to Tex and his family
Posted by: omega | April 25, 2009 at 01:48 PM
Best wishes to Tex. I'm guessing he pulls through this and is able to celebrate with us in June.
It would be a shame if the Lakers don't come out tonight and get a win for Tex.
Posted by: EJK | April 25, 2009 at 01:56 PM
The fans of the PHX SUNS wish the best to Tex Winter in his recovery.
Posted by: BUTLER | April 25, 2009 at 02:00 PM
May God bless you, Tex.
You're in all of Laker Nation's thoughts.
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 25, 2009 at 02:22 PM
Get well soon Tex, our prayers go out to you and your family.
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | April 25, 2009 at 02:26 PM
Basketball is this man's life. He has contributed immeasurably with knowledge and passion to the best game on Earth. Now Let's go get a win for Tex!
Posted by: Return of The Purple & Gold Assassin | April 25, 2009 at 02:42 PM
Best wishes for Tex. I have long admired his lifelong push for baketball to be played the right way, to, as he puts it, please the basketball gods.
A great mind and a feisty coach not at all intimidated by big salaries and big egos.
All the best for a full and speedy recovery, I hope he is up and watching his Lakers again soon.
Posted by: Tom Daniels | April 25, 2009 at 03:39 PM
We're Pulling for you in Houston Tex
Thanks for all the hard work and all the memories Tex. We are praying for your health and for your family.
John
Posted by: john_in_houston | April 25, 2009 at 03:53 PM
This toke is for Tex and his family and the extended Laker family. WE ARE ALL PULLING FOR YOU TEX!
Posted by: LakerMan 420 | April 25, 2009 at 05:03 PM
May God help Mr. Winters and his family through this most difficult time. Mr. Winters has lived a long and distinguished life. I hope he recovers.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | April 26, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Go manny pacquiao!
Posted by: buntoy | May 02, 2009 at 08:34 AM