Introduction to Pat Riley’s Legacy
The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of former coach Pat Riley on Feb. 22, as the Hall of Famer joins the likes of former team greats Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant in bronze outside their downtown arena.
Magic Johnson, Pat Riley and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar attend a reunion of the 1985 Los Angeles Lakers championship team prior to a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns April 11, 2005 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NO
LOS ANGELES (AP) – The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of former coach Pat Riley on Feb. 22, as the Hall of Famer joins the likes of former team greats Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant in bronze outside their downtown arena.
The Lakers will fittingly honor Riley against their long-time rival, the Boston Celtics.
Pat Riley’s Coaching Career
Riley coached the Lakers from from 1981 to 1990 during the team’s "Showtime" era and won four NBA championships (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988). He led the Lakers through one of the most dynamic eras for any team in NBA history. With Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar leading an exciting roster with a groundbreaking fast-break offense, the Lakers went 533-194 (.733) in Riley’s tenure and added 102 playoff victories over nine seasons.
The Lakers won at least 50 games in each of his nine seasons as coach and they won at least 60 games in five straight seasons. He was named NBA Coach of the Year with the Lakers in 1989-90.
Honoring Lakers Legends
Fans line up to see Kobe Bryant statue
Fans lined up outside the Crypto.com Arena to see the Kobe Bryant statue. It was revealed it will be one of three Bryant statues showcased outside the arena.
He played for Los Angeles from 1970 to 1975, and was a team broadcaster before becoming Paul Westhead’s assistant in 1979. Riley was part of the 1971=72 team that won a league-record 33 straight games and won the NBA championship.
Pat Riley’s Later Career
The 80-year-old Riley also coached the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat. He won another championship as coach with the Heat in 2006 and now serves as their team president.
Just last season, the Heat named the court in their downtown arena after Riley in a ceremony attended by many of his former players.
Legacy and Impact
Riley will become the eighth Lakers luminary to be honored with a statue in Star Plaza, which has become a popular tourist attraction for fans of the globally popular franchise. The others are Abdul-Jabbar, Johnson, Bryant, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Shaquille O’Neal and broadcaster Chick Hearn.
Conclusion
The unveiling of Pat Riley’s statue is a testament to his enduring legacy and impact on the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. His contributions to the team’s success during the "Showtime" era and beyond have cemented his place in NBA history.
FAQs
Q: When will the statue of Pat Riley be unveiled?
A: The statue of Pat Riley will be unveiled on Feb. 22.
Q: Who are the other Lakers legends with statues in Star Plaza?
A: The other Lakers legends with statues in Star Plaza are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Shaquille O’Neal, and broadcaster Chick Hearn.
Q: How many NBA championships did Pat Riley win as a coach?
A: Pat Riley won five NBA championships as a coach, four with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Miami Heat.
