The Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue honoring Showtime-era head coach Pat Riley at Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena.
The nearly eight-foot-tall, 510-pound bronze statue immortalizes Riley, intentionally positioned on the plaza between Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Known for his polished demeanor and sideline style, Riley is depicted in his classic Giorgio Armani-tailored suit with a crocodile leather belt and his 1985 championship ring, with his right fist raised, his signature signal throughout the Showtime-era for Johnson to deliver a pass to Abdul-Jabbar for the legendary skyhook.
“I want to thank all of you,” said Pat Riley. “Significance doesn’t come from comfort. It comes from adversity, from discipline, from refusing to be ordinary. One day we look back with the incredible pride and gratitude to have been part of something truly special. That statue right there is loaded up with all of us who took this magical journey.”
Guests gathered in downtown Los Angeles to witness the unveiling and celebrate the coach’s legacy ahead of the Lakers home game versus the Boston Celtics. The ceremony was hosted by Kevin Frazier and featured remarks from Riley, Los Angeles Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade and Michael Douglas.
“Pat really was a guardian angel for this franchise, its employees and, most important, its fans across the world,” said Los Angeles Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss. “In 1981, my father made Pat the team’s head coach and Pat soon became the epitome of an era, the stylish leader of the all-conquering Showtime Lakers. Now, generations of Angelenos will be able to gather here to learn of his achievements and to understand his central role in the history of our team and our city.”
Under Pat Riley’s inscribed name, the base of the sculpture reads “There will come a time when you are challenged, and when that time comes, you must plant your feet. You must stand firm. You must make a point. About who you are, what you do, and where you come from. When that time comes, you do it.”
Additionally, the sculpture base includes acknowledgements and commemorates Riley’s career with notable accolades as a player, coach and executive, including 24 head coaching seasons and 1,381 regular season and playoff wins, ranking him fifth all time. The right side of the base features bible verse Mark 3:25 – “A house divided against itself will not stand” – a reference Riley used with his Lakers Showtime team.
With six decades in the NBA as a player, broadcaster, assistant coach, head coach and executive, Riley is one of the most successful figures in league history.
Riley assumed the role of Lakers head coach during the 1981-82 season and helped revolutionize the game with his fast-break offensive approach. Over his tenure, Riley led the franchise to six NBA Championships, including four as a head coach (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988), one as an assistant (1980) and one as a player (1972). Under his leadership, the Lakers won 50 or more games every season, including five campaigns with 60-plus victories. In his final season coaching the Purple and Gold in 1989-90, Riley earned NBA Coach of the Year honors.
Riley is the eighth member of the Los Angeles Lakers to be commemorated in Star Plaza, joining Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Chick Hearn, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Jerry West.
The statue was designed and created by Omri Amrany and Sean Bell of Rotblatt Amrany Studio, the studio that also created statues honoring Bryant, Hearn, Abdul-Jabbar, O’Neal and others.
The Lakers will celebrate Riley tonight with an in-game tribute during halftime. Fans in attendance will receive a miniature replica statue to commemorate the event.
