Tribute to Pat Riley
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to pay tribute to their legendary coach Pat Riley with the unveiling of his statue on February 22. This announcement comes as the Hall of Fame coach joins the ranks of other franchise icons such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant, who are immortalized in bronze outside the Staples Center. This ceremony holds special significance as it coincides with a matchup against the Boston Celtics, a historic rival of the Lakers.
Riley’s Coaching Legacy
Riley’s tenure as head coach from 1981 to 1990 is celebrated for its pivotal role in the Lakers’ ‘Showtime’ era, during which he led the team to four NBA championships in 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. Under his leadership, the Lakers boasted a formidable record of 533 wins against 194 losses, achieving a winning percentage of 73.3%. His squads secured an impressive 102 playoff wins over his nine seasons at the helm, highlighted by consistent success in the regular season with a minimum of 50 wins each year, including five seasons with over 60 victories.
Early Career and Influence
Before stepping into the role of head coach, Riley was a player for the team from 1970 to 1975 and served as an assistant coach to Paul Westhead starting in 1979. He was a member of the Lakers squad that set an NBA record with 33 consecutive victories during the 1971-72 season, culminating in a championship win.
Continued Legacy
Currently 80 years old, Riley has a storied coaching legacy that stretches beyond Los Angeles, with significant roles at the New York Knicks and Miami Heat, where he won another championship in 2006 and presently holds the title of team president. Recently, the Heat honored him by naming their court after him in a ceremony showcasing his influence on the franchise.
Statue Unveiling
With the upcoming statue’s unveiling, Riley will become the eighth distinguished member of the Lakers to be honored in Star Plaza, further solidifying its reputation as a must-visit spot for basketball fans around the world.
