LOS ANGELES LAKERS ANNOUNCE PAT RILEY STAR PLAZA STATUE

The Los Angeles Lakers have commissioned a statue of Pat Riley to join Lakers legends on Star Plaza outside of Crypto.com Arena.  Jeanie Buss shared plans with Riley today over a video call alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson Chris Riley, Karen West, and a host of Laker greats.

“Pat is a Lakers icon,” said Jeanie Buss.  “His professionalism, commitment to his craft and game prep paved the way for coaching styles we see in the NBA today.  The style of basketball Pat & the Lakers created in the 80s is still the blueprint for the organization today.

Riley had a defining impact on the Lakers legacy, winning six total championships with the Lakers.  The 8th Laker to commemorated in Star Plaza, Riley will join Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Chick Hern, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Jerry West.  Set for completion in 2026, the Lakers will announce the official unveiling later.  During his time with Showtime, Riley laid the groundwork to becoming on of the most successful figures in NBA History.

Riley assumed the role of Lakers head coach during the 1981-1982 season.  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.  In each of his nine seasons at the helm the Lakers won 50+ 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 1979-1980 season.  They won the NBA Title in 1980 led by veteran Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and rookie Magic Johnson.  Riley was drafted in the 1st round by the San Diego Rockets in 1967.  He was later traded to Los Angeles in 1970-71, and played 5+ seasons for LA.  Riley was a member of the 1971-1972 Lakers that won an NBA record 33 consecutive games and the NBA Championship.