\u201cThat statue right there is loaded up with all of us who took that magical journey,\u201d Riley said.<\/p>\n
Lakers Unveil Pat Riley\u2019s Statue Ahead of Rivalry Matchup
\nRiley\u2019s Statue Ceremony Features Tributes from Lakers, Heat<\/p>\n
First look at Pat Riley\u2019s statue in front of Crypto Arena.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s the first Lakers coach with a statue \ud83e\udee1<\/p>\n
(via @Lakers<\/a>) pic.twitter.com\/mm34EsiNop<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Overtime (@overtime) February 22, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Riley is the first coach and eighth Laker<\/a> to earn a statue on the coveted Star Plaza. Sunday\u2019s ceremony featured remarks from Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss, the aforementioned Magic and Kareem, fellow Laker legend Shaquille O\u2019Neal<\/a> and retired actor\/producer Michael Douglas<\/a>.<\/p>\n The honor also follows the Heat\u2019s own tribute from October: renaming the hardwood to the Pat Riley Court<\/a> at Kaseya Center in honor of his 30th season with the franchise. Among those from Miami who were present for LA\u2019s turn were Heat owner Mickey Arison and Hall-of-Fame guard Dwyane Wade<\/a>.<\/p>\n Dwyane Wade to Pat Riley getting a statue outside the #Lakers<\/a> arena:<\/p>\n “This is where you belong. You earned this.”<\/p>\n \u2014 Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) February 22, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n In addition to his four titles as a head coach of the Lakers, Riley also won one as a player in 1972 and as an assistant coach in 1980 before his run at the helm during \u201cShowtime.\u201d<\/a> He continued to make his mark as a head coach in the East, leading the New York Knicks (1991-95) before leading the Miami Heat from the front office and sidelines.<\/p>\n The imprint of this team is still on the franchise and fanbase after 40 years\u2026they all deserve all the flowers possible over and over again \ud83d\udcaf https:\/\/t.co\/QFwgecEy2o<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 \ud83c\udfc6LakersGuru\ud83c\udfc6 (@GuruLakers) February 22, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Next Coach in Line?<\/p>\n After cementing Riley\u2019s place on Star Plaza, speculation now turns to which Laker legend is next in line. Reports from December noted that Phil Jackson<\/a> could follow suit. It\u2019d be a fitting honor for a coach who guided the purple and gold\u2019s next great era after \u201cShowtime.\u201d<\/p>\n Key Stories as Lakers Welcome Celtics<\/p>\n After the fanfare around Riley, the Lakers battle the Celtics at 3:30 p.m. PT on NBC\/Peacock as part of \u201cSunday Night Basketball.\u201d The purple and gold once again have the luxury of a relatively clean injury report<\/a>, looking to capitalize on the post All-Star break momentum after a 125-122 win over the LA Clippers Friday. Additionally, the game offers some revenge for ex-Celtic Marcus Smart<\/a>, who missed the Dec. 5 matchup in Boston<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hoping to add to the day\u2019s historic nature, LeBron James<\/a> looks to eclipse the 43,000-career-point mark<\/a>, needing just 12 to do so.<\/p>\n \u00a9 Kirby Lee-Imagn Images<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Oct](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/USATSI_24568459_168402037_lowres-1024x683.jpg\")
Oct 23, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; The new logo for Pat Riley Court at Kaseya Center before the game between the Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images<\/p>\n