The Los Angeles Lakers have released a statement on the passing of coaching legend Tex Winter.

Via Marc J. Spears of ESPN, below is the statement of the Lakers' CEO and controlling owner Jeanie Buss:

Winter is known as the innovator of the “triangle offense,” a strategy that was most effectively utilized by Phil Jackson during his coaching stint with the Chicago Bulls and the Lakers. The offensive system, under Jackson's command, resulted in 11 championship rings. Winter himself worked with Jackson closely in these title runs.

In a statement sent to the Chicago Tribune, Michael Jordan — the greatest basketball player of all time — reflected on Winter's impact on his personal game and on basketball as a whole. Jordan commended Winter for his immense attention to detail and the time they spend on preparation prior to a game:

“I learned so much from Coach Winter,” Michael Jordan said Wednesday night in a statement emailed to the Tribune. “He was a pioneer and a true student of the game of basketball. His triangle offense was a huge part of our six championships with the Bulls. He was a tireless worker, always focused on details and preparation, and a great teacher. … I was lucky to play for him.”

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Winter has undergone some health complications since a stroke in April 2009. Despite this, he has remained as a consultant for the Lakers during Jackson's stint there. Check out a throwback clip below where a young Winter explains the basics of the dreaded triangle offense: