Even though the Los Angeles Lakers lost 111-89 to the Boston Celtics on Sunday, it was a memorable evening for fans, as the team honored one of its most iconic personalities in the form of former coach Pat Riley.
The halftime ceremony was a special tribute to Riley celebrating his statue, which was unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena before the game.
LeBron James admitted he took a look at the halftime ceremony, which was hosted by Magic Johnson and attended by former Riley players including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Jamal Wilkes, AC Green and Byron Scott.
James, 41, had only good words to say about Riley, 80, emphasizing that he has "Highly respected" For the great master.
"He's one of the all-time greats that has been a part of this league, not only as a player, (but) as a coach, an executive, front office, everything. Obviously, what he did with the Lakers organization in the '80s goes without saying, and rightfully so, they built a statue of him outside the building," James said in a video posted by EssentialSports' Mark Medina.
LeBron James called Pat Riley "one of the all-time great players to be a part of this league" after watching Riley's halftime celebration. LeBron envisioned the Heat could have had a 6–10 year title window if he had stayed in 2014 instead of returning to Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/IScCJcWxqO
- Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) 23 February 2026
Of course, James and Riley spent four years together at the Miami Heat, where Riley served as team president for more than three decades. James led the Heat to two titles before returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014.
James' decision to join Miami changed the landscape of the NBA, while also underscoring Riley's continuing influence.
While many believe they could have won more championships together, James said he does not dwell on the past.
"It's human nature to look back and say, 'Well, what could have been.' But it's part of life,” said 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.
