Pat Riley, one of the most iconic figures in NBA history, is set to receive a remarkable honor from the Los Angeles Lakers-a statue in his name outside their legendary arena in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers made the announcement with pride, stating, “One of the greatest coaches of all time – The Lakers are proud to announce Pat Riley’s legacy will be cemented, and his statue will find a home on Star Plaza.”

Riley’s tenure as the Lakers’ head coach was nothing short of revolutionary. Over nine seasons, he led the team to four NBA championships, orchestrating the fast-paced, electrifying “Showtime” era. With legends like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on his roster, Riley’s tactical brilliance and magnetic leadership transformed the Lakers into a basketball dynasty.

Magic Johnson, who thrived under Riley’s coaching, took to social media to share his excitement: “Congratulations to, in my opinion, the greatest coach to ever grace the NBA!” He also thanked Lakers owner Jeanie Buss for honoring Riley, adding, “All of his Showtime players are thrilled to see this well-deserved statue come to life!” Johnson’s heartfelt post resonated with fans, earning over 200,000 impressions and thousands of likes.

Johnson and fans applaud Lakers’ decision to honor Riley

The announcement triggered an outpouring of tributes from NBA fans, with one tweeting, “Pat Riley is my favorite NBA coach of all time. On the Mount Rushmore of NBA coaches. Elated the Lakers are honoring him with a statue.” Another chimed in, “So well-deserved.” Meanwhile, Miami Heat fans playfully lamented the news, with one writing, “Lakers building a statue of Pat Riley. Why does that hurt me? At least we named our court after him first.”

Riley’s influence extends far beyond his Lakers years. After leaving Los Angeles, he coached the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat, eventually transitioning into his current role as the Heat’s president. Across 24 seasons, Riley cemented his legacy with six championships, earning him a revered spot in basketball history.

At 79, Riley remains an enduring symbol of excellence in the sport. This statue, set to grace Star Plaza, isn’t just a tribute to his achievements-it’s a testament to his transformative impact on the NBA. As one fan perfectly summed it up: “This is amazing! Well deserved.”