The Los Angeles Lakers are set to immortalize former coach Pat Riley with a statue outside their downtown arena on Feb. 22, joining the ranks of legendary team figures like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant. Riley, who coached the Lakers during the iconic "Showtime" era from 1981 to 1990, led the team to four NBA championships and an impressive record of 533-194. Known for pioneering a fast-break offense, Riley's coaching prowess was recognized with an NBA Coach of the Year award in 1989-90.
Aside from his coaching success, Riley also had a storied playing career with the Lakers and later went on to coach the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat, where he won another championship in 2006. Now serving as the Heat's team president, Riley's legacy continues to be celebrated by NBA fans around the world. With his upcoming statue unveiling, Riley will take his place among basketball greats in the Lakers' Star Plaza, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport and the franchise's rich history.