NBA: Lakers Unveil Pat Riley Statue
Hall of Fame coach Pat Riley's bronze statue unveiled outside Lakers' arena, solidifying his legacy as “Showtime” architect. Lakers honor legendary coach Pat Riley with a statue.
“I don't know how I got here, but I got here and now there's a statue out there...”
The Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue of legendary coach Pat Riley outside (link unavailable) Arena, recognizing his incredible contributions to the team's “Showtime” era. Riley, a Hall of Fame coach, led the Lakers to four NBA championships and seven NBA Finals appearances during his tenure from 1981 to 1990.
The statue, standing nearly eight feet tall, captures Riley in his signature Armani suit with his right fist raised, symbolizing his iconic leadership style. It's situated between statues of Lakers greats Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, solidifying Riley's place among the franchise's all-time legends.
Riley's impact on the Lakers extends beyond his on-court success. He helped shape the team's identity and paved the way for future generations. Lakers governor Jeanie Buss praised Riley as “a guardian angel for this franchise,” highlighting his enduring influence.
Pat Riley has been immortalized outside the Lakers' arena in downtown Los Angeles. A bronze statue of Riley, depicting him in one of his signature Armani suits with his fist raised, now stands alongside statues of Lakers legends Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, as well as the iconic broadcaster Chick Hearn.
“I don't know how I got here, but I got here and now there's a statue out there,” Riley, 80, said. “I'm so grateful to be honored and to be with those who are the giants that I jumped up on their shoulders and they carried me.”
Riley's tenure as Lakers head coach was incredibly successful, with 533 wins and a 73.3 winning percentage, the highest in franchise history. He led the team to four NBA championships and made a lasting impact on the game.
He went on to coach the Miami Heat to a title, but it's his work with the “Showtime” Lakers that's etched in NBA lore – their fast-paced offense changed the game and turned the Lakers into a Hollywood phenomenon.
Michael Douglas, a longtime friend of Riley's, revealed that the coach's iconic hairstyle inspired his character Gordon Gekko in “Wall Street.” Douglas was in attendance at the statue unveiling, sharing the story of how Riley's style influenced his Oscar-winning performance.
Pat Riley expresses endless gratitude to both his family, and the @Lakers franchise during his speech 🥹 https://t.co/dJgeAAC3bY pic.twitter.com/1hpMvEw7l2
— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2026
Riley had a multifaceted career with the Lakers before becoming head coach - he won a championship as a player in 1972, worked as a broadcaster alongside Chick Hearn, and later became an assistant coach. He was promoted to head coach by Jerry Buss in 1981.
Jeanie Buss, current Lakers governor, praised Riley as “a guardian angel for this franchise” and “the epitome of an era,” highlighting his lasting impact on the team.
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