“The Godfather of Showtime” is now immortalized in bronze.
Before the Lakers’ afternoon duel against the Boston Celtics, the team honored Hall of Fame coach Pat Riley with a statue outside of Crypto.com Arena. The statue sits near those of his former players, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. It features Riley in his iconic Armani suit and slick-back hair with his left hand to his hip and right fist in the air, a signal for Johnson to find Abdul-Jabbar for his patented skyhook.
The base of the statue also includes the following inscription: “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.”
“That statue right there is loaded up with all of us who took that magical journey,” Riley said.
Lakers Unveil Pat Riley’s Statue Ahead of Rivalry Matchup
Riley’s Statue Ceremony Features Tributes from Lakers, Heat
First look at Pat Riley’s statue in front of Crypto Arena.
He’s the first Lakers coach with a statue 🫡
(via @Lakers) pic.twitter.com/mm34EsiNop
— Overtime (@overtime) February 22, 2026
Riley is the first coach and eighth Laker to earn a statue on the coveted Star Plaza. Sunday’s ceremony featured remarks from Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss, the aforementioned Magic and Kareem, fellow Laker legend Shaquille O’Neal and retired actor/producer Michael Douglas.
The honor also follows the Heat’s own tribute from October: renaming the hardwood to the Pat Riley Court at Kaseya Center in honor of his 30th season with the franchise. Among those from Miami who were present for LA’s turn were Heat owner Mickey Arison and Hall-of-Fame guard Dwyane Wade.
Dwyane Wade to Pat Riley getting a statue outside the #Lakers arena:
"This is where you belong. You earned this."
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) February 22, 2026
In addition to his four titles as a head coach of the Lakers, Riley also won one as a player in 1972 and as an assistant coach in 1980 before his run at the helm during “Showtime.” He continued to make his mark as a head coach in the East, leading the New York Knicks (1991-95) before leading the Miami Heat from the front office and sidelines.
The imprint of this team is still on the franchise and fanbase after 40 years…they all deserve all the flowers possible over and over again 💯 https://t.co/QFwgecEy2o
— 🏆LakersGuru🏆 (@GuruLakers) February 22, 2026
Next Coach in Line?
After cementing Riley’s place on Star Plaza, speculation now turns to which Laker legend is next in line. Reports from December noted that Phil Jackson could follow suit. It’d be a fitting honor for a coach who guided the purple and gold’s next great era after “Showtime.”
Key Stories as Lakers Welcome Celtics
After the fanfare around Riley, the Lakers battle the Celtics at 3:30 p.m. PT on NBC/Peacock as part of “Sunday Night Basketball.” The purple and gold once again have the luxury of a relatively clean injury report, looking to capitalize on the post All-Star break momentum after a 125-122 win over the LA Clippers Friday. Additionally, the game offers some revenge for ex-Celtic Marcus Smart, who missed the Dec. 5 matchup in Boston.
Hoping to add to the day’s historic nature, LeBron James looks to eclipse the 43,000-career-point mark, needing just 12 to do so.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
