Tex Winter Stroke Update

87-yr.-old, Tex Winter, the Lakers’ architect of the highly successful triangle offense and key Phil Jackson adviser and consultant, was moved to an extended-care facility in Kansas City. The stroke rehabilitation center specializes in treating recent victims by helping them to regain their physical facilities prior to their affliction. Winter’s condition has improved but his movement and speech on his right side remain limited. Winter suffered the stroke while in town to attend a reunion of the 1958 Kansas State basketball team that he coached to the Final Four. Situated behind Phil Jackson at home games, Tex served as a special consultant to the team. And although Winter had reduced his workload to a part-time basis this season, his presence will nonetheless be sorely missed as the Lakers prepare for another deep run into the playoffs.