Overview
- The statue was revealed on Feb. 22 outside Crypto.com Arena before the Lakers’ game against the Celtics, with Pat Riley in attendance and tributes from Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jeanie Buss, Dwyane Wade and actor Michael Douglas.
- Riley becomes the first coach honored with a statue by the franchise, joining Lakers icons and broadcaster Chick Hearn in Star Plaza.
- The bronze depicts Riley with a raised fist, his in-game signal to feed Kareem for the skyhook, and features a base inscription quoting advice he attributes to his father.
- Riley coached the Lakers from 1981 to 1990, leading seven Finals runs and four championships, and he remains the Miami Heat’s president after later titles as a coach and executive.
- The celebration included a halftime ceremony emceed by Magic Johnson, and the night concluded with Boston defeating Los Angeles 111-89.