In the world of the NBA, a statue is more than just a tribute; it’s an immortalization of greatness. Think of Michael Jordan’s iconic statue outside the United Center or Dwyane Wade’s ‘This is my house‘ pose outside the Kaseya Center; a statue is the ultimate recognition of a legacy, one that future generations can look to for inspiration. Now, the Los Angeles Lakers have once again embraced this tradition, announcing a statue for their legendary coach.

The announcement came via an X post, confirming that Riley will join the pantheon of Lakers legends at Star Plaza. “One of the greatest coaches of all time — The Lakers are proud to announce Pat Riley’s legacy will be cemented and his statue will find a home on Star Plaza,” read the caption of the post.

Pat Riley’s impact on the Lakers is unparalleled. As head coach, he led the team to four NBA championships in the 1980s, orchestrating one of the most exciting and successful eras in basketball history: the Showtime Lakers. Riley’s Lakers redefined fast-paced basketball, blending flash and substance with stars like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy. His coaching record with the Lakers speaks volumes: 533 wins in nine seasons, a .733 winning percentage, and seven NBA Finals appearances.

“Pat is a Lakers icon. 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,” said Lakers owner Jeanie Buss.

Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena is a sacred space for Lakers fans, where the franchise’s rich history is brought to life. Riley’s statue will join an elite group. Magic Johnson’s statue, unveiled in 2004, captures the infectious energy he brought to the game whereas Shaquille O’Neal’s statue, suspended in a slam-dunk pose, celebrates the dominance that delivered three straight championships.

“I never thought I’d get a statue. There’s a lot of Lakers greats who deserve a statue. So when they put my name in there, I thought it was awesome. I have great emotions. I want to thank the Buss family and the Lakers organization,” said Shaq when he got the news of his statue unveiling.

Pat Riley’s statue will serve as a tribute to the man who turned Showtime into a cultural phenomenon. While his coaching achievements are the foundation, Riley’s contributions as a visionary continue to shape the NBA today. Now it’s up to the Lakers organization to announce the unveiling date and other details. However, did you know about the statues that other Lakers players have?

The Statues of other Los Angeles Lakers Greats

The Los Angeles Lakers have always honored their legends in a way that matches the franchise’s storied legacy: with statues that immortalize their greatness. These sculptures at Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena aren’t just tributes; they are enduring symbols of the franchise’s rich history and the individuals who helped define it. While Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal’s statues are iconic, several other Lakers legends have received this highest honor.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s statue, unveiled on November 16, 2012, features his signature skyhook, a move so dominant it remains one of the most celebrated in basketball history. Jerry West, saw his statue revealed in 2011, depicted in mid-dribble, reflecting his poise and precision as a player. Elgin Baylor’s statue, unveiled on April 6, 2018, captures him mid-flight, embodying the acrobatics and grace that made him one of the game’s first high-flyers.

However, another legendary statue was unveiled on August 2 this year. The statue depicted Bryant with his arm around Gigi, sitting courtside at a Lakers game on December 29, 2019. These statues represent not just individual greatness but also the Lakers’ dedication to preserving their legacy. By celebrating these figures, the franchise ensures that their impact remains alive, inspiring generations of fans and players alike.

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