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Magic Johnson Congratulates Pat Riley On Lakers Statue

The Los Angeles Lakers announced that former head coach Pat Riley would be honored with a statue in Star Plaza outside of Crypto.com Arena. Riley, of course, was the head coach of the Lakers during the ‘Showtime’ era of the 1980s, leading the team to four NBA Championships behind Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Riley took over the Lakers during the 1981-82 season and immediately changed the fortunes of the franchise. He became iconic not only for his intense coaching style and innovation, but also his style, wearing designer suits on the sideline with his signature slicked back hair.