The Los Angeles Lakers‘ 9-4 start to the 2024-25 season is something most fans of the team would’ve taken in a heartbeat. There may be more reasons for that than just the number of wins.
Former Lakers head coach Pat Riley will be getting his own statue in downtown Los Angeles’ Star Plaza. He will be the eighth former member of the Lakers organization to have their statue put there.
“Pat is a Lakers icon,” Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said in a statement. “His professionalism, commitment to his craft, and game preparation paved the way for the coaching we see across the league today.”
When Rob Pelinka went through the motions of hiring JJ Redick as head coach of the franchise, he expressed optimism that Redick could be along the lines of a “Pat Riley-type candidate” for the franchise. 13 games in, the comparison is holding up.
JJ Redick In Good Company
The comparison is not necessarily based on expectations for team success – Riley won several championships during his time as a head coach in the NBA. Rather, it’s rooted in Redick and Riley’s similarity in lack of experience before taking over the head coaching job.
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Riley had experience as an assistant with the team before taking over, whereas Redick’s current tenure with the Lakers is his first at any level of basketball.
So far, Redick looks to be in good shape and is on pace to bring the Lakers back to the postseason. As someone intellectually involved in the game, he understands the impact Riley has had at all levels.
“He’s a legend in the game of basketball, and obviously he did a lot for this franchise,” Redick said. “He’s had such an impact on the game and every franchise he’s been with, especially the Lakers, so I’m very happy for him.”
The Lakers are currently 10-4 and 3rd in the Western Conference.