The Los Angeles Lakers made a big announcement on Monday, revealing plans to honor Pat Riley with a statue at “Star Plaza” outside Crypto.com Arena. Riley, a legendary figure in Lakers history, achieved great success with the team, winning six championships in various roles. This upcoming statue will recognize his immense contributions to the franchise.
Owner Jeanie Buss expressed her admiration for Riley, calling him a Lakers icon and highlighting his professionalism and coaching prowess. She credited him with laying the foundation for the team’s success and shaping the style of basketball that still defines the organization today. The statue is currently in the works and is expected to be unveiled in 2026.
Riley, now 79 years old, received the news of the statue dedication during a video call with several Lakers legends, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and James Worthy. This honor will make him the first Lakers coach to have a statue outside the arena, joining a select group of iconic figures in Lakers history.
While Riley has spent the last few decades with the Miami Heat, his impact on the Lakers during the “Showtime” era is undeniable. The decision to honor him with a statue is a fitting tribute to his remarkable coaching career and the lasting legacy he created with the team.
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