The Los Angeles Lakers will honor former coach Pat Riley with a statue outside their downtown arena, a fitting tribute to a man who helped shape the franchise’s storied legacy.
On Monday, the Lakers revealed their plans to commission a statue that will stand proudly in Star Plaza, celebrating the coach who led the “Showtime” Lakers to four championships during the 1980s. Riley’s contributions extend beyond coaching, as he also earned championship rings as a player and assistant coach with the team.
At 79 years old, Riley has spent the last thirty years with the Miami Heat as a coach and executive, yet his basketball roots are firmly entrenched with the Lakers. He played for Los Angeles from 1970 to 1975 and later served as a team broadcaster before stepping into an assistant coaching role under Paul Westhead in 1979.
Taking the reins as head coach in 1981, Riley guided the Lakers through one of the most electrifying periods in NBA history. With stars like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the team showcased a revolutionary fast-break offense, achieving an impressive 533-194 record (.733) and securing 102 playoff victories over nine remarkable seasons.
“Pat is a Lakers icon,” stated Lakers owner Jeanie Buss. “His professionalism and dedication to game preparation have influenced coaching standards across the league. My father recognized Pat’s unique ability to unite talented players into a championship team. The style of basketball that Pat and the Lakers popularized in the 80s continues to serve as a blueprint for our organization today, emphasizing entertainment and success.”
With this honor, Riley will join the ranks of seven other Lakers legends commemorated with statues in Star Plaza, which has become a must-visit destination for fans. The other honorees include Abdul-Jabbar, Johnson, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and broadcaster Chick Hearn.
After his time with the Lakers, Riley coached the New York Knicks for four seasons before taking on the roles of team president and head coach for the Miami Heat in 1995. He has remained a pivotal figure in Miami’s basketball operations, leading the Heat to an NBA title in 2006 during his two stints as head coach.
