Lakers Owner Reveals How Pat Riley's 'Showtime' Era Still Shapes Team's Identity

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Wright | Last updated Nov 18, 2024 7:28 PM ET

The Lakers organization announced on Monday that they'll honor their legendary "Showtime" coach with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena. In response, owner Jeanie Buss took the opportunity to explain just how vital Riley was to establishing the Lakers' winning culture:

"Pat is a Lakers icon," Buss said in a statement. "His professionalism, commitment to his craft and game preparation paved the way for the coaching we see across the league today. My dad recognized Pat's obsession and ability to take talented players and coalesce them into a championship team."

The numbers back up Buss's praise. During Riley's nine-year tenure as head coach (1981-1990), he guided the Lakers to an incredible 533-194 record (.733 winning percentage) and four NBA championships. His fast-paced offensive system, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, transformed the way basketball was played in the 1980s.

According to Buss, Riley's influence extends beyond just the trophy case. "The style of basketball Pat and the Lakers created in the 80s is still the blueprint for the organization today: an entertaining and winning team," she explained.

Current Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who some in the organization compare to Riley for his intensity and presentation style, echoed Buss's sentiments. "Deserved," Redick said, revealing that he studied Riley's methods through the Hulu documentary Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers while preparing for this season.

Riley's statue will make him the eighth Lakers legend honored in Star Plaza, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and broadcaster Chick Hearn. Given Riley's multiple roles with the organization - player (1970-1975), broadcaster, assistant coach, and head coach - it's a recognition that's long overdue.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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