Lakers honor Pat Riley with statue next to Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, halftime ceremony at Celtics game

For decades, Pat Riley has been the architect of the Miami Het.

But he’s a Los Angeles Lakers legend whose likeness was set in perpetuity Sunday with a statue outside of Crypto.com Arena.

The Lakers unveiled the statue prior to Sunday’s home game against the rival Boston Celtics. It fittingly stands between statues of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with whom he won four NBA championships as the head coach of the “Showtime” Lakers.

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With a host of Lakers icons watching, the curtain was lifted, and Riley’s statue emerged from a flurry of purple and gold confetti. The statue is positioned with Riley holding up his right hand in a fist, his trademark signal for Johnson to deliver a pass to Abdul-Jabbar for a sky hook.

An inscription on the base of the statue features a quote that Riley attributed to his father, Leon Riley:

“There will come a time when you are challenged, and when that time comes, you must plant your feet. You must stand firm. You must make a point. About who you are, what you do, and where you come from. When that time comes, you do it.”

Lakers legends among icons to honor Riley

Riley was among the “Showtime” Lakers royalty present for the unveiling alongside Johnson, Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, A.C. Green, Bob McAdoo, Kurt Rambis, Norm Nixon and Byron Scott.

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Dwyane Wade, who won three NBA championships under Riley’s leadership with the Heat, was also in attendance. As was notable “Showtime”-era Lakers fan Michael Douglas, who gave a speech about his friendship with Riley.

Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, whose father, Jerry Buss, hired Riley, hosted the ceremony.

“Even though Pat hasn’t worked here for more than three decades, those remain Laker principles in large part because of him,” Buss said.” That’s why it was so important to us to recognize Pat with this statue right here in the heart of downtown L.A.”

When the statue was unveiled, Riley smiled and offered a thumbs up in approval.

When Pat Riley raised his fist, that meant give the ball to Kareem.

(MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images via Getty Images)

The celebration of Riley continued at halftime…

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Author : Jason Owens

Publish date : 2026-02-23 01:35:00

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