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Los Angeles Lakers to Honor Pat Riley with a Statue at Star Plaza

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2 días ago

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Pat Riley Statue Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Monday their decision to honor former coach Pat Riley with a statue outside their downtown arena. This tribute will stand in Star Plaza, immortalizing the coach who led the «Showtime» Lakers to four championships during the 1980s. Riley, who is 79 years old, has a long-standing association with the Lakers, having also won championship rings as a player and an assistant coach.

Riley transitioned from a Lakers player in the early 1970s to a broadcaster, and eventually became an assistant coach under Paul Westhead in 1979. By 1981, Riley took over as head coach, guiding the team through one of the NBA’s most dynamic eras. During his tenure, the team, with stars like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, achieved a record of 533-194 and amassed 102 playoff victories.

«Pat is a Lakers icon,» stated Jeanie Buss, the Lakers’ owner, in an official release. «His professionalism and commitment paved the way for modern coaching practices across the league. The style of basketball that Pat and the Lakers created in the 80s continues to be the blueprint for the organization: an entertaining and winning team.»

Current Lakers coach JJ Redick expressed his approval of this decision, acknowledging the substantial impact Riley has had on the franchise. «He’s a legend in the game of basketball and obviously did a lot for this franchise,» Redick remarked.

Riley will become the eighth Lakers figure to be commemorated with a statue at Star Plaza, joining celebrated individuals such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O'Neal. This announcement was made during a video call attended by Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss and notable figures from the Lakers’ past, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson.

In addition to his achievements with the Lakers, Riley went on to coach the New York Knicks before joining the Miami Heat, where he has served as the team president since 1995. He led Miami to an NBA title in 2006. ESPN‘s Dave McMenamin and the Associated Press contributed additional information to this report.

Rachel Adams

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