Lakers to Honor Pat Riley with Statue

The Los Angeles Lakers have announced plans to honor Pat Riley with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena, expected to be completed by 2026. Riley, a former player and coach for the Lakers, led the team to four NBA championships during the iconic Showtime era and is known for his innovative coaching style. This statue will be the eighth dedicated by the Lakers, joining other legends such as Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson. Lakers president Jeanie Buss praised Riley's contributions, highlighting his role in shaping modern coaching in the league. Riley, who is also the president and minority owner of the Miami Heat, remains a revered figure in basketball history. The announcement comes as the Lakers enjoy a successful season, currently on a five-game winning streak.