Lakers to Honor Pat Riley with a Statue

The Los Angeles Lakers have announced that they will honor former coach Pat Riley with a statue outside the Crypto.com Arena, acknowledging his significant contributions to the team during the 1980s. Riley, a pivotal figure in Lakers history, led the team to four NBA championships as head coach and won additional titles as both a player and assistant coach. The statue, set for completion in 2026, will join those of other Lakers legends like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant at Star Plaza. Jeanie Buss, the Lakers' governor, emphasized Riley's impact on basketball and his role in shaping the modern fast-break offense, which became a staple of the 'Showtime' Lakers era. Despite his long tenure with the Miami Heat, Riley's legacy with the Lakers remains prominent, having left an indelible mark on the team's history and the NBA at large. This tribute underscores his status not only as a coach but as an iconic figure in the sport's evolution.