LeBron James pays big respect to Pat Riley after honoring statue

ByNBAUSA



Although it is The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics111-89 on Sunday, it was a night to remember for the fans as the team honored one of its most famous figures in the former coach Pat Riley.

The half time ceremony was a a special tribute to Riley to celebrate his statuewhich was presented outside the Cripto.com Arena before the game.

LeBron James admitted to peeking at the halftime ceremony, hosted by Magic Johnson and attended by former Riley players including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Jamal Wilks, AC Green and Byron Scott, among others.

James, 41, had only good things to say about Riley, 80, noting that he has “highest respect” for the legendary mentor.

“He’s one of the all-time greats to ever be a part of this league, not only as a player, (but as) a coach, executive, front office, everything. Obviously, what he did with the Lakers organization in the ’80s goes without saying, and rightfully so, they put a statue of him in front of the building,” Essen James said in a MedinaSports video.

Of course, James and Riley spent four years together on Miami Heatwhere he was the team president for more than three decades. James led the Heat to two titles before leaving in 2014 to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

James’ decision to join Miami changed the NBA landscape while underscoring Riley’s continued influence.

Although many believe they could have won more championships together, James said he is not bound by the past.

“It’s human nature to look back and say, ‘Okay, what could have been.’ But that’s part of life,” added the four-time MVP, who had 20 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals against the Celtics.

Riley coached the Lakers to four championships as the architect of the famous “Showtime” era.





2026-02-23 05:43:00

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