Phil Jackson will receive a statue outside the Lakers’ downtown arena, cementing his legacy as the franchise’s most decorated coach.
Statue Confirmation
The Lakers announced Tuesday that the statue will honor Jackson, who won five of his record 11 NBA coaching titles with the team.
Acting governor Jeanie Buss called Jackson “the definition of championship basketball” in a statement released to the media.
The bronze figure will be unveiled before an April game in the 2026‑27 season, making Jackson the ninth Laker immortalized at Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena.
Career Highlights
Jackson, who turns 81 next week, coached the Lakers for 11 seasons across two stints — 1999‑2004 and 2005‑2011.
His two tenures produced five championships, including three‑peat titles led by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal and two later crowns with Bryant as the centerpiece.
He also guided Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls to six championships in two three‑peat runs, earning his place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2007.
Statue Context
Other Lakers legends with permanent statues at the arena include Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Chick Hearn, Magic Johnson, Pat Riley, Jerry West, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
Bryant alone has two statues at Star Plaza, one honoring his late daughter Gianna.
Quote
“His masterful approach to coaching brought out the best in some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game,” the statement read, noting that Jackson’s creativity and commitment restored the Lakers’ championship legacy.
