EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Lakers are set to pay tribute to their iconic former coach Pat Riley by erecting a statue outside their downtown arena, solidifying his legacy within the franchise.

In an announcement made on Monday, the Lakers revealed plans for the statue to be located in Star Plaza, honoring a man who led the team to four championships during the electrifying "Showtime" era of the 1980s. Notably, Riley also secured championship rings as a player and assistant coach with the Lakers before transforming the team's fortunes as head coach.

At 79, Riley's coaching influence has notably continued with the Miami Heat, where he has spent the last thirty years shaping the franchise. However, his roots in the NBA are firmly established with the Lakers, a team he played for from 1970 to 1975. His journey with the Lakers began as a team broadcaster before he took on the role of assistant coach under Paul Westhead in 1979.

Taking the reins as head coach in 1981, Riley propelled the Lakers into one of the most mesmerizing periods in basketball history. Leading a roster featuring legends such as Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, he guided the team to an impressive 533-194 record (.733) over nine seasons, compiling 102 playoff victories and cementing their status as a basketball powerhouse.

“Pat is a Lakers icon,” said Lakers owner Jeanie Buss in her statement. She acknowledged Riley's unparalleled professionalism, commitment, and the transformative impact he had on coaching styles across the NBA. Buss emphasized that the distinct brand of basketball developed by Riley and the Lakers in the 80s remains the inspiration behind the team's identity today.

Current Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who has drawn comparisons to Riley for his intense coaching style, praised the decision to honor Riley with a statue. “Deserved,” Redick remarked, highlighting Riley’s legendary status and profound contributions to the franchise. He noted that he has been preparing for the season by watching the Hulu documentary "Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers," which features insights from Riley himself.

With this statue, Riley joins an exclusive group of Lakers legends in Star Plaza, which has become a major attraction for fans and tourists alike. He will be the eighth figure to receive such an honor, joining fellow Lakers greats Abdul-Jabbar, Johnson, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and the renowned broadcaster Chick Hearn.

After his impactful tenure with the Lakers, Riley went on to coach the New York Knicks for four seasons before returning to Miami as team president and head coach in 1995. He continues to serve as the Heat’s president and has clinched another NBA Championship in 2006, further establishing his legacy in the league.

As the statue is set to become a permanent fixture, fans will be reminded of the profound impact Riley had on the Lakers and the NBA as a whole, ensuring that his contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.