The Los Angeles Lakers will raise a fresh banner this season, with Miami Heat president and former head coach Pat Riley’s statue set for Feb. 22, 2026. The Lakers’ tribute aligns with the Celtics–Lakers rivalry that defined Riley’s era. Riley won two of his four championships coaching the Lakers against Boston.
Magic Johnson and the Showtime Lakers let Pat Riley know he’d be given a statue: “I’m just a kid from Schenectady, New York, and here I am going to have a statue with the Lakers.“
This is a Monumental Moment for Pat Riley
The Hall of Famer is now honored alongside former team legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant in bronze outside their downtown arena. The Heat president spent five seasons in Los Angeles as a player and secured nine championships as a coach.
The ceremony is positioned as a transition from a championship-era culture to the current approach to roster-building and competitive standards. This recognition is deserved for him.
Riley’s Impact on the Lakers Showtime Era
Riley has achieved significant success with the Lakers over the years. He was a prominent figure during the Los Angeles Lakers’ Showtime Era, which was considered a thrilling period in basketball.
This was a long time coming. He played a significant role in the development of the league as it is today. Lakers legend Magic Johnson and Celtics icon Larry Bird were crucial in revitalizing the NBA, and Pat Riley had some influence in that process.
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