Legendary Coach Pat Riley Statue Unveiled Outside Lakers Arena
Star Plaza Unveils Tribute To Lakers Legend
Former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Pat Riley will join the franchise's statues outside of the team's home at Crypto.com Arena. The statue was announced by the team on Thursday, Feb. 23.
Details of the Statue Commemorating Riley
The statue will honor Riley's accomplishments as coach of the Lakers, a tenure that spanned from 1981 to 1990. During his time with the team, Riley led the Lakers to four NBA championships. He was named NBA Coach of the Year three times.
The statue was created by renowned sculptor Omri Amrany, who has also created statues of other iconic sports figures such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Muhammad Ali. The statue depicts Riley in his signature pose, with his arms folded across his chest and a determined look on his face.
Riley's Legacy With The Lakers
Riley was one of the most successful coaches in NBA history. He won a total of five NBA championships as a head coach, four with the Lakers and one with the Miami Heat.
Riley's Lakers teams were known for their up-tempo style of play and their dominance on the defensive end. Riley was also known for his ability to motivate his players and get the most out of them.
Riley's Accomplishments and Awards
In addition to his NBA championships, Riley was also named NBA Coach of the Year three times. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
Riley is one of the most respected coaches in NBA history. He is known for his basketball acumen, his leadership skills, and his ability to win.