The Los Angeles Lakers will celebrate Pat Riley with an unveiling of a statue outside Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, Feb. 22.
The team will hold a private ceremony before the Lakers’ tip-off against the rival Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon.
Riley played an integral role in helping the Lakers’ organization achieve on-court success and a strong brand identity during the 1980s.
It will be the 15th statue outside of Crypto.com Arena, joining a list of other notable figures from LA Sports history, including Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson celebrates with the trophy and Pat Riley after winning the slam dunk competition during the 2026 NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on Feb. 14, 2026.
Why is Pat Riley getting a Lakers statue? History and record
Riley has spent 58 years in the NBA, serving as a player, coach, and executive.
He’s won an NBA championship in each of those roles, including as a player (1972), assistant coach (198), and a coach (1982, 1985, 1987-88). He also led the Miami Heat to a championship as a head coach in 2006 and as an executive in 2012 and 2013.
Riley not only helped bring championships to the respective organizations but also instilled a unique culture.
Riley became the perfect fit for the Lakers during the 1980s, which is referred to as the “Showtime Lakers” era because it blended the perfect combination of Hollywood flair and on-court showmanship using a roster that included Johnson, Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy.
Riley matched that flair with his own signature slicked-back hair and Armani suits. The legend’s success and signature look have carried on in the decades that followed.
He currently serves as the Miami Heat’s president, a role he’s had since 1995 and applied what he’s learned during his time with the Lakers.
Riley drafted Dwyane Wade and acquired Shaquille O’Neal before winning his first title away from the Lakers in 2006. He would resign as head coach in 2008, but would remain in his role as president. As an executive, he helped build a super team, having Chris Bosh and LeBron James join Wade to win back-to-back titles for Miami.
Is Pat Riley a basketball Hall of Famer?
Riley is among the all-time winningest coaches in NBA history, compiling a record of 1,210-694 (.636%). He was enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lakers to honor Pat Riley with statue outside of arena
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