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Los Angeles Lakers
Aug 14, 2025 8:22 PM EDT
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in all of American sports. And on Thursday, the organization announced its plans to honor one of its all-time iconic figures.
The Lakers will unveil a Pat Riley statue outside of Crypto.com Arena during the 2025-26 NBA season. The unveiling ceremony is scheduled to take place before the team hosts the Boston Celtics on Feb. 22, the team shared in an announcement on social media.
“Forever a part of Lakers history. We are honored to share that Pat Riley’s statue will be unveiled on Star Plaza on February 22,” the Lakers wrote on X.
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This announcement sparked a variety of reactions from fans around the NBA world.
“He deserves it. Seriously,” one wrote.
“He built a dynasty, and now he’s part of Lakers history forever,” another added.
“Well deserved. Don’t care how long Riles has been in Miami. He’s a Laker,” another said.
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Riley served as the Lakers’ head coach from 1981-90 — the franchise’s iconic “Showtime” era. He led the team to four NBA Championships (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) and amassed 533-194 overall regular-season record. He also spent five seasons as a player for the Lakers from 1970-75.
Riley, 80, was first informed of this statue plan last November. He will be the ninth Lakers legend to receive a statue, and the first coach.
The Lakers announced their full 2025-26 regular-season schedule on Thursday. The team will tipoff its campaign with a matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21.
About the Author
Matt Audilet