L.A. Lakers to pay tribute to Pat Riley
Pat Riley's Legacy: A Star in Los Angeles' Star Plaza
Pat Riley, the legendary basketball figure, is set to be immortalised in Los Angeles' Star Plaza. On February 22, 2026, a statue of Riley will be unveiled, joining the esteemed company of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant.
Riley's coaching tenure with the Lakers spanned from 1981 to 1990, a period that came to be known as the "Showtime" era. During this time, Riley led the team to an impressive regular season record of 533 wins and 194 losses, boasting a remarkable .733 winning percentage.
Under his guidance, the Lakers won four NBA championships in 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. The team also achieved a remarkable feat, winning at least 50 games every year during Riley's coaching tenure. In five consecutive seasons, they even managed to win 60 or more games.
Riley's leadership was not only evident in the regular season but also in the playoffs. Over nine seasons, the Lakers amassed 102 playoff victories, reaching the NBA Finals four straight times during his tenure.
Riley's coaching prowess was recognised in 1989-90, when he was named the NBA Coach of the Year. This was his last season as Lakers coach before stepping down in 1990.
After leaving the Lakers, Riley coached the New York Knicks. However, it was with the Miami Heat where he would taste success once more, winning another NBA title in 2006.
Currently, Riley serves as the Heat's team president. His impact on the team is so significant that last season, their home court was named in his honour.
The statue unveiling ceremony will take place before the Lakers play their long-time rivals, the Boston Celtics. Riley's statue will be the second statue for a coach in Star Plaza, following that of Jerry West.
Riley will join Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Shaquille O'Neal, and Chick Hearn as Lakers legends with a statue in Star Plaza. This recognition solidifies Riley’s status as a coaching legend during the Lakers’ storied "Showtime" era.
Riley's statue will be placed outside the Lakers' downtown arena, a fitting tribute to a man who brought so much success to the team during his time as coach. The statue is a testament to Riley's enduring impact on the game of basketball and the Los Angeles Lakers.
In recognition of his illustrious coaching career with the Lakers, particularly during the celebrated "Showtime" era, Pat Riley's statue will be unveiled outside their downtown arena, joining a lineup that includes basketball greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Elgin Baylor. Following his departure from the NBA court into the Heat's front office, Riley continues to make an impact in the sport of basketball, especially in Los Angeles, where his achievements in basketball and sports are commemmorated with a statue and the renaming of their home court.
