On Sunday, former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Pat Riley was honored with a bronze statue outside of the Crypto.com Arena. Riley is the first head coach to receive this recognition from the Lakers.
Riley has won nine NBA championships throughout his professional basketball career, with four championships coming during his head-coaching run with the Lakers. He was named one of the Top 10 Coaches in NBA History.
Former players in attendance for Riley’s statue unveiling were Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Dwyane Wade. Other stage attendees included Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and actor Michael Douglas.
During his coaching days, Riley was known to sport Giorgio Armani suits on the sidelines. Following his statue unveiling, the Basketball Hall of Famer spoke about the NBA’s current dress code for coaches.
“I wish it went back to coats and ties. I think an audience wants to see somebody on the sidelines who looks like a leader, dresses like a leader, acts like a leader.”
In the wake of the 2020 NBA Bubble, coaches were allowed to wear casual attire during games. The NBA Coaches Association voted to keep team-issued polos, quarter-zips, and sweaters as part of the dress code moving forward.
The Godfather
At 80 years old, Riley is the current team president of the Miami Heat. He has served in this role since 1995, making him a pivotal part of the franchise’s past and ongoing success.
With a 31-27 record, the Heat hold the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Miami is currently on a three-game winning streak.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the Heat made an aggressive pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP was ultimately not traded, and Miami did not make any major trade moves.
Last year brought big changes to the Heat’s roster. Riley traded six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors in a five-team deal for Kyle Anderson, Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, and a 2025 protected first-round pick.
Led by 2026 All-Star selection Norman Powell, the Heat will be looking to secure a playoff spot as the season continues to pick up.
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