Lakers Reveal Surprise Choice for Next Statue After Dwyane Wade Debacle

The Los Angeles Lakers history is full of iconic figures who helped win 17 championships throughout the illustrious past of the franchise. Many of these names are commemorated in Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena. The statues of Elgin Baylor, Chick Hearn, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, and Shaquille O'Neal were recently joined by Kobe Bryant.

On Monday, the Lakers officially announced the eighth Laker to get a statue alongside the greats. Pat Riley, who has won six championships in total as a Laker, will have his statue completed by 2026 and unveiled at a later date.

Riley won his first championship in Los Angeles as a player in 1972. He then joined the staff of head coach Paul Westhead in 1979 and won his second championship as an assistant. After he became the Lakers head coach in 1981, he led the team to its glory days in the 80s, winning four championships in that decade. During his time there, Riley was the architect of the historic Showtime era, still remembered fondly to this day.

Not only did Riley lead the Lakers to success, but he also revolutionized basketball. His innovative coaching and panache, combined with his interest in fast, up-tempo basketball style, created some of the most exciting teams of all-time.

After leaving the Lakers in 1990, Riley spent time with the Knicks and the Heat. He is currently the president of the Miami Heat, having won three more NBA championships since then.

Some Lakers fans thought legendary coach Phil Jackson would get the next statue after Kobe Bryant, so this may come as a surprise. Riley has perhaps been forgotten by the younger generation of Lakers fans since he has been associated with the Heat organization for the last three decades, but his impact on the Purple and Gold is certainly undeniable.

More Lakers news and rumors: