The LA Lakers are set to honor a legend of the Showtime Era with a new statue outside the Crypto.com Arena. Fans will soon see the immortalized figure of former coach Pat Riley, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first coach to receive such an honor from the NBA.
The unveiling is scheduled for Sunday, coinciding with a classic matchup against the Boston Celtics. It's a fitting tribute to Riley, who led the Lakers to four championships and left an indelible mark on the franchise.
Riley's bronze statue will join the ranks of other Lakers greats like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Chick Hearn, Jerry West, and Magic Johnson. His legacy in Los Angeles is cemented by an impressive record of 533-194 over 727 games, and he holds the distinction of being the fastest coach to reach both 300 and 500 wins.
After his successful run with the Lakers, Riley took his talents to the New York Knicks, leading them to several postseason appearances. However, it was with the Miami Heat, starting in 1995, that he secured his final NBA championship as a coach in 2006. He later transitioned to an executive role and continues to serve as the team president.
Current Heat coach Erik Spoelstra shared his thoughts on the unveiling, expressing regret that the team won't be able to attend due to their game against the Memphis Grizzlies. “We wish we could be there,” Spoelstra said.
“Initially, when we found out about it, I was like, why wasn’t that scheduled while we were in town? But man, it is so much more fitting that the Celtics are in town.”
Reflecting on his time with the Lakers, Riley once shared how the Hollywood spotlight affected him. Speaking in "Legacy: The True Story of the Los Angeles Lakers," he admitted that fame began to overshadow his role as a coach.
“Fame can grab hold of you, but it can manifest itself into a real personality change,” Riley said. The pressures of the spotlight led him to seek a new path with the Knicks, where he could focus more on the game.
Riley's journey from a celebrated coach to a respected executive showcases his enduring impact on the sport. As fans gather to witness the unveiling, it's a moment to celebrate not just a coach, but a true icon of basketball history.