Lakers honor franchise legend Pat Riley

The Los Angeles Lakers paid tribute to one of the most influential figures in NBA history on Feb. 22, 2026, unveiling a bronze statue of Hall of Famer Pat Riley outside Crypto.com Arena in Star Plaza.

The nearly eight-foot statue – capturing Riley in one of his signature Armani suits with his right fist raised – cements his legacy alongside Lakers immortals like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. 

Riley, 80, was present for the ceremony as dozens of Lakers legends, family, friends and NBA icons looked on. The statue depicts the coach in mid-leadership pose, a nod to the famed “Showtime” Lakers’ signal for Magic Johnson to fire the ball toward Kareem’s skyhook – a symbol of his era-defining offense. 

Riley’s statue stands between those of Lakers greats Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Star Plaza, making him the eighth individual in franchise history to be so honored. During his time in Los Angeles, Riley coached the Lakers from 1981 to 1990, leading them to four NBA championships and seven Finals appearances while crafting one of the most iconic styles of play in league history. 

Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, whose father Jerry Buss promoted Riley to head coach in 1981, called him “a guardian angel for this franchise,” emphasizing his unwavering commitment to excellence and his role in shaping Lakers culture. Longtime teammates and former players – including James Worthy, Jamaal Wilkes, Norm Nixon, Bob McAdoo, A.C. Green and Byron Scott – joined the celebration, sharing memories and honoring Riley’s impact on and off the court. 

Also in attendance were figures from Riley’s post-Lakers career, including Dwyane Wade, who won three championships under Riley’s leadership as Miami Heat head coach, and acclaimed actor Michael Douglas – a longtime friend who spoke about Riley’s influence on his own career and style. 

While Riley’s coaching career spanned multiple teams – including deep playoff runs with the New York Knicks and an NBA championship with the Miami Heat – it was his role in the Lakers’ 1980s dynasty that forged his lasting imprint on NBA history. The “Showtime” era revolutionized the league with its pace, flair and strategic innovation, and Riley’s leadership was at the heart of it. 

Now immortalized in bronze, Riley’s likeness will stand as a reminder of a transformative chapter in Lakers history – inspiring future generations and preserving the legacy of one of the game’s great architects.