Statue unveiling for Pat Riley: Lakers to recognize former coach with ceremony during their game against the Celtics
The Los Angeles Lakers have announced that they will be honouring Pat Riley with a statue, recognising his significant contributions as a coach during the iconic "Showtime" era. The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for February 22, 2025, before the Lakers take on their longtime rival, the Boston Celtics.
Riley's statue will take its place outside Crypto.com Arena, where another Lakers legend, Hall of Fame broadcaster Chick Hern also has a statue. This honour makes Riley the first Lakers coach to receive a statue.
Riley's tenure as coach began in the 1981-82 season, after the Lakers dismissed Paul Westhead. Under his leadership, the team went 50-21 for the remainder of the regular season. In the playoffs, they defeated the 76ers again in the Finals, securing the title in the 1981-82 season.
Riley's 1-3-1 half-court trap defense was a key factor in the Lakers' victory over Philadelphia in the 1982 Finals. This was the first title the Lakers won upon moving from Minneapolis to Los Angeles.
Riley's coaching career with the Lakers was marked by numerous successes. He famously guaranteed that the Lakers would become the first team in 19 years to repeat as champions in 1988. His prediction came true when the Lakers outlasted the Detroit Pistons in the 1988 NBA Finals.
Riley's next two championships also came against the rival Celtics, in 1987 and 1985. In both series, the Lakers emerged victorious after a hard-fought, six-game series.
With the unveiling of Riley's statue, he will join Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Shaquille O'Neal, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jerry West as members of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise to be honoured with a statue. LeBron James is also expected to receive a statue in the future.
Before his coaching career, Riley played for the Lakers and was a member of the 1972 championship team. His dedication and success as a player and coach have earned him a special place in Lakers history.
We look forward to the unveiling of Pat Riley's statue in 2025, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the Los Angeles Lakers.
- The Los Angeles Lakers' upcoming game against the Boston Celtics in February 2025 will be significant, as it will mark the unveiling of a statue honoring Pat Riley, a former coach of the team.
- Riley served as coach for the Lakers from the 1981-82 season and his leadership was instrumental in their victory in the 1981-82 season Finals against the 76ers.
- One of Riley's most famous moments as coach came in the 1982 Finals, when his 1-3-1 half-court trap defense played a key role in the Lakers' victory over Philadelphia.
- Riley's tenure with the Lakers was marked by numerous successes, including guaranteeing that the Lakers would become the first team to repeat as champions in 19 years, a prediction that came true in the 1988 NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons.
- The Lakers' upcoming unveiling of Riley's statue will add him to the list of Lakers legends who have been honored with a statue, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and others.
- Riley's dedication and success as a player and coach have earned him a special place in Lakers history, making him a fitting recipient of the statue.
- News of Riley's statue is generating excitement among basketball fans, as the unveiling will be a celebration of one of the greatest coaches in the history of the NBA.
- Riley's achievement of becoming the first Lakers coach to receive a statue solidifies his position as a true legend in sports-betting circles, as well as in the European leagues, NCAA basketball, the Premier League, and other sports.
