Full Breakdown
Phil Jackson to Join Lakers’ Star Plaza with Statue Unveiling in 2027
9/9/2026, 3:21:20 AM
Announcement of the Statue
On September 8, 2026 the Los Angeles Lakers announced that a bronze statue honoring former head coach Phil Jackson will be unveiled on April 9, 2027 before the team’s home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. The ceremony will add a ninth figure to the franchise’s Star Plaza collection of statues outside the arena.
Jackson’s Lakers Tenure
Jackson coached the Lakers in two separate stints (1999-2004 and 2005-2011). During those 11 seasons he guided the team to five NBA championships—three consecutive titles from 2000-2002 with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, and back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010 with Bryant and Pau Gasol. His teams reached the NBA Finals seven times and made the playoffs in every season he was at the helm.
Data & Statistics
- Regular-season record: 610-292 (franchise-record win total).
- Postseason record: 118-63.
- Five NBA championships and seven Finals appearances.
- Nine seasons with at least 50 regular-season victories; two seasons with 60 or more wins.
- Holds the Lakers’ all-time coaching records for regular-season wins and playoff wins.
These figures were provided in the team’s announcement of the statue.
Official Statements & Responses
Lakers governor Jeanie Buss issued a team statement praising Jackson’s impact. The statement framed the statue as a permanent acknowledgment of Jackson’s contributions to the franchise’s history.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Phil Jackson defines championship basketball for a reason,” — The Los Angeles Lakers, head coach
- “Phil’s unmatched creativity and commitment to excellence restored our championship legacy, bringing five titles and setting a standard of excellence for generations to come,” — Jeanie Buss, said lakers governor
Timeline
- September 8, 2026 – Lakers publicly announce the planned statue and its scheduled unveiling.
- April 9, 2027 – Statue unveiling ceremony scheduled before the Lakers-Timberwolves game.
Statue Design and Placement
The statue will be cast in bronze and was commissioned to be designed and created by Omri Amrany of Rotblatt Amrany Studio. It will be installed at Star Plaza, joining existing statues of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant (two statues), Chick Hearn, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Pat Riley and Jerry West.
Impact and Significance
Jackson’s addition to Star Plaza expands an exclusive group that visually chronicles the Lakers’ most influential figures. By honoring a coach whose 11 career championships remain the NBA record, the franchise underscores the lasting influence of his “triangle offense” and leadership style on the organization’s modern identity. The statue also arrives amid ongoing ownership discussions, but the team’s focus remains on commemorating the coach who helped restore and sustain the Lakers’ championship legacy.
