The Los Angeles Lakers have decided to honor one of their most successful coaches, Pat Riley, with a statue in Star Plaza outside Crypto. com Arena. The 79-year-old Riley is a legend in the NBA, having won four championships with the Lakers as a coach in the 1980s. He also played for the team and served as an assistant coach before taking the helm.

Riley's career with the Lakers spans over a decade, from 1970 to 1981, where he started as a player and later became a broadcaster. His tenure as head coach from 1981 to 1990 is particularly notable. During this period, the Lakers won 533 games and had 102 playoff wins under Riley's leadership. His dynamic style of play, featuring stars like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, revolutionized the game.

Jeanie Buss, the Lakers owner, praised Riley's impact on the game. She said, "Pat is a Lakers icon. His dedication and innovative strategies set a standard for coaching today. " Riley's approach to coaching and game preparation has become a benchmark for modern NBA coaches.

The statue will join others in Star Plaza, including legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant. This plaza has become a popular attraction for basketball fans and tourists alike.

After leaving the Lakers, Riley coached the New York Knicks for four seasons before joining the Miami Heat as their president and coach. He has remained with Miami ever since, winning another NBA title in 2006.

Riley's contributions to the game and the Lakers franchise are undeniable. His statue will serve as a reminder of the golden era of basketball he helped create.

A New Addition to Star Plaza: Pat Riley's Statue

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