Los Angeles Lakers to Honor Pat Riley with Statue on Star Plaza

The Los Angeles Lakers have announced plans to commission a statue of legendary coach Pat Riley, which will be placed on Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena. This honor recognizes Riley’s significant contributions to the Lakers’ success, particularly during the iconic “Showtime” era of the 1980s.

Pat Riley served as the Lakers’ head coach for nine seasons, from 1981 to 1990, and led the team to four NBA championships during his tenure. He also won one championship as an assistant coach in 1980 and another as a player in 1972. Riley’s coaching career with the Lakers was marked by his innovative approach to the game, including his emphasis on fast-break offense, which made the Lakers one of the most exciting teams of the decade.

Riley’s legacy extends beyond his coaching achievements. He was instrumental in shaping the Lakers’ style of basketball, which remains a blueprint for the organization today. His commitment to professionalism and game preparation has been praised by Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss, who described him as a “Lakers icon”.

The statue of Pat Riley will be the eighth to be added to Star Plaza, joining other Lakers legends such as Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Chick Hearn, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Jerry West. The statue is set to be completed in 2026, with the official unveiling date to be announced later.

The announcement was shared with Riley via a video call that included several Lakers greats, including Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Cooper. This tribute underscores Riley’s enduring impact on the Lakers and the NBA as a whole.