Pat Riley is one of the most successful people in NBA history.
From coaching the Showtime Los Angeles Lakers to overseeing the Miami Heat with LeBron James, those are just a few of his major accomplishments.
Recently, Riley was given a statue by the Lakers.
He was part of six titles with the franchise as head coach, assistant coach (and player).
Via The NBA: “A wonderful shot of Pat Riley’s statue 📸”
Los Angeles Lakers Icon Magic Johnson Shows Love To Pat Riley
GettyLos Angeles, CA – February 22: Pat Riley, left, speaks with Earvin “Magic” Johnson, right, during the Pat Riley Lakers statue unveiling at Star Plaza outside of the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. Riley is the first coach to be honored by the franchise and for leading the 1980s “Showtime” era to four NBA championships. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Following the exciting day, Lakers legend Magic Johnson made a heartfelt post to Instagram that had over 14,000 likes.
Dwyane Wade, James Worthy, Jamal Crawford, Chris Paul and Metta World Peace were among the players to like his post.
Johnson wrote: “What a great weekend watching my Hall of Fame Coach Pat Riley receive the recognition he deserves! He is one of the greatest coaches of all time, winning six championships as a Laker. Coach Riley took us to 8 NBA Finals where we won four championships, he also won as an assistant coach and a player! It’s always a good time when I get together with my Showtime teammates.”
Riley last coached during the 2008 season with the Heat (he also coached the New York Knicks after his run in Los Angeles).
Right now, the 80-year-old still runs the Heat.
Johnson has always been advocate for his former coach, as he wrote a long message (in 2025):
“Happy 80th birthday to Pat Riley, the greatest coach that’s ever coached in the NBA. Not only was he amazing with x’s and o’s and game planning, he was also a genius at in-game adjustments and we were always prepared for our opponents.
He knew how to get the most out of every single player. People don’t know this but Pat Riley created small ball! Coach Riley taught us that champions know winning starts in practice. He emphasized no one would ever out worked us on either end of the court which is why we were able to go to 9 Finals in 12 years winning 5 NBA Championships.
He had an amazing influence on our lives in basketball but even moreso as men. He helped turn young men into great men emphasizing family first, supporting your teammates, and being excellent on and off the court throughout his career. That’s why many of his players are doing well in life following their playing careers.
When he went into the hall of fame, he had more former players show up to support him than any other coach in Hall of Fame history. It speaks to the man that he is and always will be. Riles, I will always love you, thank you for being one of my best friends in life! Enjoy your special day!”
Earvin Magic Johnson
Happy 80th birthday to Pat Riley, the greatest coach that’s ever coached in the NBA. Not only was he amazing with x’s and o’s and game planning, he was also a genius at in-game adjustments and we were always prepared for our opponents. He knew how to get the most out of every
Magic Johnson’s Time With The Los Angeles Lakers
Johnson was the first pick in the 1979 NBA Draft after an incredible college run at Michigan State.
He spent all 13 years of his pro career with the Lakers.
His career averages are 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 11.2 assists and 1.9 steals per contest while shooting 52.0% from the field in 906 games.
As for the current Lakers, they are the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a 32-24 record in 56 games.
They last won a title during the 2020 season.