Lakers to Honor Pat Riley with Statue in Star Plaza

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers have announced plans to unveil a statue of legendary coach Pat Riley outside of Crypto.com Arena, joining the ranks of Lakers greats on Star Plaza.

Los Angeles Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss shared plans with Riley today over a video call alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Cooper, A.C. Green, Magic Johnson, Kurt Rambis, James Worthy, Vlade Divac, Karen West and Chris Riley.

“Pat is a Lakers icon,” said Jeanie Buss. “His professionalism, commitment to his craft and game preparation paved the way for the coaching we see across the league today. My dad recognized Pat’s obsession and ability to take talented players and coalesce them into a championship team. The style of basketball Pat and the Lakers created in the 80s is still the blueprint for the organization today: an entertaining and winning team.”

Riley had a defining impact on the Lakers legacy, winning six total championships with the Lakers – four as head coach (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988), one as an assistant coach (1980) and one as a player (1972).

The eighth Laker to be commemorated in Star Plaza, Riley will join Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Chick Hearn, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Jerry West. Set for completion in 2026, the Lakers will announce the official unveiling date at a later time.

During his time with the Purple and Gold and throughout the historic Showtime era, Riley laid the groundwork to becoming one of the most successful figures in NBA history.

Riley assumed the role of head coach for the Lakers during the 1981-82 season. Known for his innovative coaching and polished demeanor, Riley helped define the Showtime era and led the franchise to four NBA titles over nine seasons.

Riley revolutionized the game with his approach to fast-break offense, making the Lakers the most exciting team of the 1980s. As head coach of the Lakers, Riley tallied a 533-194 (.733) record in the regular season and a 102-47 (.685) clip in the playoffs. In each of his nine seasons at the helm the Lakers won 50-plus games, including five campaigns of 60-plus. In his final season coaching the Lakers in 1989-90, Riley was named NBA Coach of the Year.

Riley was first hired as an assistant coach for the Lakers under head coach Paul Westhead during the 1979-80 season. With rookie Magic Johnson and veteran Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leading the way, Los Angeles went on to claim the 1980 NBA title.

Riley was drafted in the first round of the 1967 NBA Draft by the San Diego Rockets. He was later traded to Los Angeles in 1970-71 and played five-plus seasons for the Purple and Gold. Riley was a member of the 1971-72 Lakers that won an NBA-record 33 consecutive games and the NBA Championship.