Lakers to Unveil Statue Honoring Legendary Coach Pat Riley

Riley to become first Lakers coach immortalized with a statue outside Crypto Arena.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 12:55am

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The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of legendary head coach Pat Riley on Sunday, making him the first Lakers coach to be immortalized outside the team's arena. Riley won four championships and reached the NBA Finals seven times during his nine seasons as Lakers head coach in the 1980s, leading the team's iconic 'Showtime' era.

Why it matters

Riley's statue joining those of other Lakers greats like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O'Neal cements his legacy as one of the most influential figures in Lakers and NBA history. As the architect of the Showtime Lakers, Riley helped usher in a transformative era for the league's popularity and relevance.

The details

The statue will capture Riley's signature look, with his slicked-back hair, crisp white shirt collar, and tailored Armani suit. Riley was known for his charismatic presence on the sidelines and his ability to connect with players, helping establish the 'players' coach' archetype. He led the Lakers to four championships and seven Finals appearances in his nine seasons as head coach.

  • The statue unveiling will take place on Sunday, February 20, 2026, prior to a Lakers game against the Boston Celtics.
  • Riley was the Lakers head coach from 1981-82 to 1989-90, winning four titles during the team's iconic 'Showtime' era in the 1980s.

The players

Pat Riley

A Hall of Fame head coach who won four championships and reached the NBA Finals seven times with the Lakers during his nine seasons leading the team from 1981-82 to 1989-90.

Magic Johnson

The legendary Lakers point guard who teamed up with Riley to lead the 'Showtime' Lakers to four NBA titles in the 1980s.

Chick Hearn

The longtime Lakers play-by-play announcer whose voice became synonymous with the team's success.

Kobe Bryant

The Lakers icon who won five championships with the team and will also be honored with a statue outside Crypto Arena.

Jerry West

The Lakers legend who recommended Riley to become the team's head coach in 1981, launching Riley's Hall of Fame coaching career.

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What they’re saying

“Riley will stand tall just beyond the front door. And it's no coincidence that the ceremony will take place prior to a game against the Celtics (6:30 ET on Peacock & NBC).”

— Shaun Powell

What’s next

The Lakers will unveil Riley's statue on Sunday, February 20, 2026, ahead of their game against the Boston Celtics.

The takeaway

Pat Riley's statue immortalizes his legacy as one of the most influential and successful coaches in Lakers and NBA history, cementing his place among the franchise's all-time greats and honoring his pivotal role in the team's iconic 'Showtime' era.