Pat Riley honored with statue by Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena

The Los Angeles Lakers paid tribute to one of the most influential figures in basketball history by unveiling a statue honoring Pat Riley at Star Plaza outside the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, February 22. The ceremony celebrated Riley’s remarkable six-decade journey in the National Basketball Association, both as a coach and executive, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.

The 80-year-old basketball luminary was joined by family, former teammates, fellow legends, and fans to witness the unveiling of the statue, which now stands proudly between the commemorations of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson — two of the most iconic players in NBA and Lakers history and pillars of the storied “Showtime” era.

“I want to thank all of you. Significance doesn’t come from comfort. It comes from adversity, from discipline, from refusing to be ordinary. One day we look back with the incredible pride and gratitude to have been part of something truly special. That statue right there is loaded up with all of us who took this magical journey,” Riley said during the ceremony, his voice reflecting both humility and reverence for the organization he helped build.

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He continued, “The time has gone so fast. I feel like everything I have ever done, I have been blessed. I was surrounded by greatness. That statue is loaded up with all of us who took that magical journey together.”

Pat Riley’s statue has been unveiled in Los Angeles!

9 years.
7 finals.
4 championships.

Congrats to the Godfather of Showtime 👏 pic.twitter.com/QvwBuGuvGZ

— NBA (@NBA) February 22, 2026

Riley’s contributions to the Lakers are the stuff of legend. Appointed as head coach in the 1981-82 season, he led the franchise to four NBA championships while adding to the team’s trophy collection with one title as an assistant coach in 1980 and one as a player in 1972. His tenure also earned him the prestigious NBA Coach of the Year award in his final season at the helm of the Lakers in 1989-90, capping off a coaching career defined by innovation, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Over the course of his six decades in the league, Riley has held virtually every role imaginable: player, broadcaster, assistant coach, head coach, and executive. His influence extends beyond the Lakers, most notably shaping the championship culture of the Miami Heat and cementing his reputation as a master strategist and a guiding force in the NBA.

Riley’s statue marks the eighth figure commemorated at Star Plaza, joining a distinguished list of Lakers icons: Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Chick Hearn, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jerry West.

The ceremony drew an impressive array of legendary figures and VIPs. Abdul-Jabbar and Johnson were in attendance, alongside Lakers’ governor Jeanie Buss, Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat, and acclaimed actor Michael Douglas, all of whom shared the stage with Riley to honor his lasting impact on the franchise and the sport.

Beyond celebrating Riley’s championship rings and accolades, the event served as a testament to the enduring values he instilled: discipline, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Fans at Crypto.com Arena were treated to a visual and emotional journey through the “Showtime” era, with Riley’s statue symbolizing both his personal achievements and the collective triumphs of the Lakers over decades of basketball history.

As the crowd looked on, it was clear that the statue is more than a tribute to one man — it is a symbol of an era, a culture, and a legacy that continues to inspire current and future generations of basketball players, coaches, and fans alike.

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