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Lakers Trainer Gary Vitti Retires After Decades of Winning
9 Sep
Summary
- Gary Vitti, Lakers trainer for 32 years, retires after 8 championship wins
- Vitti blames himself for Julius Randle's leg injury in 2014
- Kobe Bryant mentors Randle after injury, helping him make a strong comeback
In September 2025, Gary Vitti, one of the most celebrated trainers in NBA history, has announced his retirement from the Los Angeles Lakers after a remarkable 32-year tenure. Vitti's legacy is indelibly etched in the Lakers' dynasty, having been a crucial part of 8 championship-winning teams.
Vitti's journey with the Lakers began in the legendary Showtime era of the 1980s, where he worked with icons like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He then remained a constant presence during the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal dynasty in the 2000s, and even stayed on for Kobe's final years.
However, Vitti's retirement didn't come with a fairy-tale ending. In the mid-2010s, the Lakers were in a rebuilding phase, and Vitti took it personally when 2014 draft pick Julius Randle suffered a devastating leg injury in his NBA debut. Vitti blamed himself for the incident, saying, "When somebody gets hurt, I blame myself."
Fortunately, Randle found support in the form of Kobe Bryant, who helped him overcome the mental and physical challenges of the injury. Bryant's mentorship played a crucial role in Randle's quick recovery and successful second season, where he averaged a double-double.
Vitti's dedication to keeping players in top shape was a key factor in the Lakers' sustained success over the decades. As he hangs up his clipboard, the Lakers organization and their fans will forever be grateful for his unwavering commitment and the indelible mark he left on the franchise.
