Pat Riley Honored with Statue at Crypto.com Arena

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue of Pat Riley outside Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, February 22, 2026, honoring the coach who led the team during its iconic Showtime championship era.

A Legacy in Bronze

Riley was present at the ceremony where the 8-foot bronze statue, depicting him in one of his signature Giorgio Armani suits, was revealed. The statue is positioned in Star Plaza, between the statues of Lakers legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson – key players during the team’s five championships in the 1980s.

From Assistant to Head Coach

Riley initially served as an assistant coach for the Lakers before being promoted to head coach in 1981 by owner Jerry Buss. He led the team to four NBA championships (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) during his nine years at the helm, reaching seven NBA Finals overall. The statue weighs 510 pounds and stands nearly eight feet tall.

A Career Spanning Decades

While Riley achieved significant success with the Lakers, his coaching career extended beyond Los Angeles. He similarly made notable contributions in New York and Miami, where he currently serves as the Heat’s president. Despite his accomplishments elsewhere, Riley acknowledged his deep roots in Los Angeles, having spent two decades with the Lakers as a player, broadcaster, and coach, accumulating six championship rings with the franchise.

Tributes from Legends

During the unveiling ceremony, both Abdul-Jabbar and Johnson praised Riley’s impact on the Lakers and the city. Johnson stated, “You’ve done more for us than we could ever thank you for.”

A Father’s Advice

The inscription on the base of the statue features advice Riley attributes to his father: “There will come a time when you are challenged, and when that time comes, you must plant your feet. You must stand firm. You must create a point. About who you are, what you do, and where you come from. When that time comes, you do it.”

Showtime Remembered

Riley reflected on his journey with the Lakers, recalling his initial arrival after being cut by the Portland Trail Blazers, his championship win in 1972, and his time in the broadcast booth alongside Chick Hearn. He credited Hearn with encouraging him to complete the New York Times crossword puzzle daily to enhance his vocabulary. Riley’s coaching style liberated Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar, fostering the fast-paced, flamboyant “Showtime” era that captivated basketball fans.

Riley’s statue is the eighth to be installed in Star Plaza, joining those of Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Hearn.

“That statue is loaded up with all of us who took that magical journey together,” Riley said.