Pat Riley to Be Honored by Lakers With Statue Outside of Crypto.com Arena

Basketball Legend and Former Lakers Coach to be Immortalized

In a grand gesture of appreciation, the Los Angeles Lakers will be honoring legendary basketball figure Pat Riley with a statue outside of Crypto.com Arena, the team's home court. Riley, who coached the Lakers to four NBA championships in the 1980s, is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport.

The statue, which is set to be unveiled on November 21, 2023, will capture Riley's iconic pose as he led the Lakers to victory. The statue will stand 12 feet tall and will be made of bronze. It will be located in front of the arena's main entrance, where it will serve as a lasting tribute to Riley's legacy with the team.

Riley's Impact on the Lakers

Pat Riley's impact on the Los Angeles Lakers cannot be overstated. He coached the team from 1981 to 1990, during which time he led them to four NBA championships (1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988). Riley's Lakers teams were known for their fast-paced, high-scoring style of play, and they were one of the most dominant teams in the league during his tenure.

In addition to his coaching success, Riley also played a key role in building the Lakers into a global brand. He was instrumental in bringing Magic Johnson to Los Angeles, and he also helped to develop a number of other young players, including James Worthy and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Riley's statue will serve as a lasting reminder of his contributions to the Lakers and to the sport of basketball. It will also inspire future generations of players and fans.

Riley's Legacy Beyond the Lakers

Pat Riley's legacy extends far beyond his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. He went on to coach the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat, winning another two NBA championships with the Heat in 2006 and 2012. He is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist, having coached the United States men's basketball team to victory in 1984 and 1992.

Riley is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the history of basketball. He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and he was named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players in 1996.

Pat Riley's statue outside of Crypto.com Arena will be a fitting tribute to a legendary figure in the sport of basketball. It will serve as a reminder of his many accomplishments and his lasting impact on the game.