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Lakers to Unveil Pat Riley Statue Feb. 22, 2026, Before Hosting Celtics

The timing taps into the Lakers–Celtics rivalry to celebrate Riley’s four championships and front-office legacy.

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April 6, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; From left Gail Goodrich , Jerry West , Pat Riley and Bill Sharman are honored at halftime of a game against the Houston Rockets in honor of the 40th anniversary of the 1972 NBA championship team at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The Lakers will unveil Riley’s statue at Star Plaza on Feb. 22, 2026, immediately before their home game against the Boston Celtics.
  • The announcement coincided with the NBA’s 2025–26 schedule release, which also confirms Lakers–Heat matchups on Nov. 2 at Crypto.com Arena and March 19 in Miami.
  • Riley led the 1980s Lakers to four NBA titles, compiling a 533-194 regular-season record and a 102-47 playoff mark over nine seasons and earning Coach of the Year honors in 1990.
  • Now president of the Miami Heat and already honored with a dedicated court, Riley will become the eighth figure immortalized in bronze at Star Plaza alongside Lakers greats.
  • Choosing the Celtics as the unveiling opponent highlights the franchise’s deliberate nod to Riley’s pivotal victories in one of basketball’s most storied rivalries.