Watch: Pat Riley Statue Unveiled

According to the Lakers, the nearly eight-foot-tall, 510-pound bronze statue immortalizes Riley, intentionally positioned on the plaza between Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Known for his polished demeanor and sideline style, Riley is depicted in his classic Giorgio Armani-tailored suit with a crocodile leather belt and his 1985 championship ring, with his right fist raised, his signature signal throughout the Showtime-era for Johnson to deliver a pass to Abdul-Jabbar for the legendary skyhook.

Under Pat Riley’s inscribed name, the base of the sculpture reads “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.”

Additionally, the sculpture base includes acknowledgements and commemorates Riley’s career with notable accolades as a player, coach and executive, including 24 head coaching seasons and 1,381 regular season and playoff wins, ranking him fifth all time. The right side of the base features bible verse Mark 3:25 – “A house divided against itself will not stand” – a reference Riley used with his Lakers Showtime team.

The statue was designed and created by Omri Amrany and Sean Bell of Rotblatt Amrany Studio, the studio that also created statues honoring Bryant, Hearn, Abdul-Jabbar, O’Neal and others.

Following the statue unveiling, Riley made a statement regarding the honor and what it means to him.

“I want to thank all of you,” said Pat Riley. “Significance doesn’t come from comfort. It comes from adversity, from discipline, from refusing to be ordinary. One day we look back with the incredible pride and gratitude to have been part of something truly special. That statue right there is loaded up with all of us who took this magical journey.”

Riley became L.A.’s head coach during the 1981-81 season and immediately revamped the team’s offensive philosophy and play style. He had already seen success with the franchise as he won a championship in 1980 as an assistant coach and another in 1972 as a player.

However, under Riley’s leadership the Lakers won 50 games every season, including five campaigns winning 60 or more games. Riley’s final season coaching L.A. didn’t result in a title but he was named the NBA’s Coach of the Year.

Riley becomes the eighth figure in Lakers history to have a statue erected in his honor, but is the only coach on the list. Riley changed the franchise forever and rightfully deserves his place among the greats.

JJ Redick says Pat Riley is north star for all coaches

Pat Riley’s basketball acumen and ability to communicate made him a successful head coach wherever he went, becoming a model for modern NBA coaches like JJ Redick. In fact, Redick called Riley the north star for all coaches because of what he managed to accomplish during his career.