L.A. Lakers unveil Pat Riley statue during game against Boston Celtics
The NBA world is set for an exciting encounter as the Los Angeles Lakers face off against the Boston Celtics on February 22, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena. The occasion is not just a regular game, as the night will witness the unveiling of a statue in honour of Pat Riley, the legendary coach who led the Lakers to numerous victories in the 1980s.
Pat Riley, an NBA Hall of Famer, will become the first Lakers coach to be immortalised with a statue outside the arena. His coaching tenure with the Lakers spanned nearly a decade and saw the team dominate during the iconic "Showtime" era. Riley's contributions to the Lakers' success, especially while working with stars like Magic Johnson, have left an indelible mark on the franchise.
The Lakers' rivalry with the Celtics dates back to the 1980s, and the two teams have faced each other in numerous epic battles. The rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, two of the greatest players of their era, played a significant role in boosting the NBA's popularity. The upcoming matchup promises to be no different, with the Lakers stadium expected to be filled with passionate fans.
Unfortunately, the Celtics will be without Jayson Tatum, who is currently out due to a torn ACL. Tatum's absence could potentially tilt the balance in favour of the Lakers, but the Celtics are known for their resilience and team spirit.
The statue unveiling ceremony will take place alongside Johnson and other Los Angeles legends, making it a night to remember for Lakers Nation. The event, according to L.A. reporter Ryan Ward, is perfectly timed, as it coincides with a significant matchup against the Celtics.
Interestingly, while Pat Riley's association is primarily with the Miami Heat among younger fans, his best years in basketball were spent with the Lakers. His accomplishments with the team, including multiple titles, have ensured that his legacy in Los Angeles remains strong, despite the passage of years.
In addition to the statue for Pat Riley, Los Angeles has plans for more such tributes to its basketball legends. These initiatives aim to honour the contributions of these individuals and keep their legacies alive for future generations of Lakers fans.
The upcoming Lakers vs. Celtics matchup on February 22, 2026, promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the added excitement of the Pat Riley statue unveiling. Fans are eagerly awaiting this historic event and the chance to witness the Lakers take on the Celtics in what promises to be a memorable game.
[1] Source: Official NBA Schedule for the 2025-26 Season [2] Source: Los Angeles Times [3] Source: ESPN [4] Source: Lakers Nation [5] Source: Sports Illustrated
- The upcoming Lakers vs. Celtics matchup on February 22, 2026, is surrounded by rumors of the Lakers potentially having an advantage due to Jayson Tatum's injury, but the Celtics' resilience and team spirit make it an unpredictable playoffs-like encounter in the realm of sports.
- Despite his more recent association with the Miami Heat, Pat Riley's best years in basketball were spent with the Lakers, making his statue unveiling on the night of the Lakers vs. Celtics game a celebration of championship victories and the 'Showtime' era in basketball.
- Beyond the Pat Riley statue, Los Angeles plans to honor more of its basketball legends with tributes, ensuring that the legacies of these sports icons remain alive for future generations of NBA fans, contributing to the championship pedigree of the Lakers.
