It was crystallized even more because iconic former Lakers coach Pat Riley sat courtside after a celebration for the unveiling of his statue on the Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena. He was the first Lakers coach to beat the hated Celtics for an NBA championship after eight failed attempts. So, yes, on this Sunday afternoon, this game meant more if only because it was another game in the long rivalry, a game the Lakers lost, 111-89. Voices Plaschke: During statue unveiling, Pat Riley reminds the disjointed Lakers of keys to winning On the day his statue was unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena, Showtime era coach Pat Riley urged the Lakers to fight to create legacies worth chasing. “I think they had a good game plan defensively, forcing us to take some shots … I mean listen, sometimes you got to make shots.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 23, 2026 06:37 UTC