Story perspectives

Lakers Honor Pat Riley with Statue Unveiling

2/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

On February 22, 2026, the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue of Pat Riley, the Lakers' longtime head coach, outside Crypto.com Arena—the franchise's first coach honored.
The statue shows Riley in a tailored suit with his fist raised, symbolizing Showtime era.
The unveiling included speeches from Lakers legends Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar praising Riley's impact.
Riley closed with the Celtics rivalry remark, "The time has come to kick some Boston ass."

History

Historical Context

The Los Angeles Lakers' "Showtime" era began in 1980 under coach Pat Riley, who led the team to five NBA championships, including a notable victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in his first season. Riley's innovative strategies and emphasis on defense transformed the franchise, culminating in a statue unveiling in 2026 that honors his lasting impact on the Lakers and their rivalry with the Boston Celtics.

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Story summary

On February 22, 2026, the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue of Pat Riley, the Lakers' longtime head coach, outside Crypto.com Arena—the franchise's first coach honored.
The statue shows Riley in a tailored suit with his fist raised, symbolizing Showtime era.
The unveiling included speeches from Lakers legends Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar praising Riley's impact.
Riley closed with the Celtics rivalry remark, "The time has come to kick some Boston ass."

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