Los Angeles Lakers to Unveil Statue of Winningest Coach in NBA History
A Legacy of Success
One of the winningest coaches in NBA history, Pat Riley, will forever be enshrined in downtown Los Angeles when the Lakers unveil the newest statue on Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena. Riley joins the team’s other legends of the court, including Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Magic Johnson, whom he coached to four championships with the Lakers.
A Hall of Fame Coach
NBA Hall-of-Famer Pat Riley will be immortalized with a statue outside the arena, joining Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar, as well as Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, broadcaster Chick Hearn, and his former teammate and eventual boss, Jerry West.
A Legacy of Leadership
Riley became head coach of the Lakers during the 1981-82 season and is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time and an architect of the "Showtime" era. He’s credited as revolutionizing modern basketball through the fast-break offense, a staple of the Showtime Lakers teams that were must-watch television.
A Record of Success
Riley finished his Lakers coaching career with a 635-241 (.725) combined record. Every team he coached during his nine-season tenure won at least 50 games, including five seasons in which they won over 60. Following the 1989-90 season, Riley was named NBA Coach of the Year.
A Legacy That Continues
Following his departure from the Lakers, Riley would spend four years as the head coach of the New York Knicks and 11 seasons as coach of the Miami Heat. Nowadays, Riley is still a member of the Heat, following in the footsteps of Jerry West by joining the front office, winning two more NBA titles in that role and being named the NBA Executive of the Year in 2011.
Unveiling Details
No date has been set for when Riley’s statue will be unveiled, but the team says an artist has already been commissioned.
Conclusion
Pat Riley’s legacy as a coach and executive is unparalleled, and his statue will be a fitting tribute to his many accomplishments. The Los Angeles Lakers are proud to recognize his contributions to the team’s success and his impact on the game of basketball.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of Pat Riley’s statue?
A: Pat Riley’s statue will be a permanent tribute to his many accomplishments as a coach and executive with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Q: Who will join Pat Riley in the Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena?
A: Other Laker legends, including Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, broadcaster Chick Hearn, and his former teammate and eventual boss, Jerry West.
Q: What is the "Showtime" era?
A: The "Showtime" era refers to the fast-break offense and exciting style of play that characterized the Los Angeles Lakers teams during Pat Riley’s coaching tenure.
