The Los Angeles Lakers have made plans to commemorate basketball legend Pat Riley with a statue in Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena. Riley’s significant contributions to the Lakers’ legacy will be recognized in the tribute, making him the eighth person to be honored at the prestigious site.

One of the greatest coaches of all time — The Lakers are proud to announce Pat Riley’s legacy will be cemented and his statue will find a home on Star Plaza pic.twitter.com/bHkjarx8CV

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 18, 2024

A Legacy Cemented

Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss revealed the plans during a video call with Riley, joined by Lakers legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Cooper, and A.C. Green, Magic Johnson, Kurt Rambis, James Worthy, Vlade Divac, Karen West, and Chris Riley.

“Pat is a Lakers icon,” said Buss. “His professionalism, commitment to his craft, and game preparation paved the way for the coaching we see across the league today. My dad recognized Pat’s obsession and ability to take talented players and coalesce them into a championship team. The style of basketball Pat and the Lakers created in the ’80s is still the blueprint for the organization today: an entertaining and winning team.”

A Career of Unparalleled Achievements

Riley’s role in the Lakers is etched in NBA history. He was the head coach of the team for four years (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988), one as an assistant coach (1980), and one as a player (1972). Riley took on the role of head coach during the 1981-82 season, leading the Lakers to become a fast-break powerhouse and defining the famed Showtime era. The Lakers won four NBA titles over nine seasons thanks to his innovative coaching style and polished demeanor, which led to him being named NBA Coach of the Year in 1989. Riley has led the Lakers to a remarkable 533-194 (.733) regular-season record and 102-47 (.685) playoff record, with nine straight seasons of 50 or more wins. Riley’s association with the Lakers started in 1970-71 when he played for them and was part of the historic 1971-72 team that set an NBA record with 33 consecutive wins and captured the championship.

A Fitting Tribute

The statue will join the likenesses of Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Chick Hearn, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Jerry West in Star Plaza. The unveiling is set for 2026, and the official date will be announced later. Riley’s influence extends beyond his time with the Lakers, marking him as one of the most successful and respected figures in NBA history. During the Showtime era, his leadership not only brought championships but also established the benchmark for excellence and entertainment in basketball. The statue will be a lasting tribute to a man whose impact on the Lakers and the NBA is still being felt.