Lakers to unveil Pat Riley statue during matchup with rival Celtics

August 14, 2025

The Lakers will honor Pat Riley with a statue that will be unveiled on February 22 when they host the rival Celtics, according to the Associated Press.

Riley played five-plus seasons for the Lakers during his nine-year NBA career, winning a championship in 1971-72 as part of a team that set the league record for longest winning streak at 33 games. He later transitioned to broadcasting and then an assistant coaching role before becoming head coach in 1981-82.

Over nine seasons on the sideline, Riley led the “Showtime” Lakers to four championships and seven NBA Finals appearances. His teams won at least 50 games every year, topping 60 wins five times. Overall, he compiled a 533-194 record (.733) in the regular season and 102-47 (.685) in the playoffs.

Riley, 80, has been Miami’s president and top basketball executive for the past 30 years, winning another title as head coach in 2006. He will become the eighth Lakers legend with a statue outside the arena.