The Los Angeles Lakers are set to honour one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, announcing plans to unveil a statue of Phil Jackson outside their downtown arena next year. The statue will be unveiled on April 9, before the Lakers’ home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, recognising Jackson’s remarkable 11-season tenure with the franchise across two coaching stints.
Key Highlights
- Phil Jackson will receive a Lakers statue on April 9 next year
- Jackson led the Lakers to five NBA championships and seven Finals appearances
- He holds the franchise record with 610 wins as Lakers head coach
- Jackson becomes the ninth Lakers-associated figure to receive a statue at Star Plaza
Phil Jackson’s Championship Legacy With the Lakers
After guiding the Chicago Bulls to six championships alongside Michael Jordan, Jackson joined the Lakers in 1999 and immediately helped usher in another championship era for the franchise. His first three Lakers teams captured NBA titles, powered by the star pairing of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
Los Angeles later added championships in 2009 and 2010, with Bryant and Pau Gasol leading the way. Jackson also guided the Lakers to NBA Finals appearances in 2004 and 2008, further cementing his place among the franchise’s greatest coaches.
Jackson Set Lakers Coaching Record
Jackson finished his Lakers career with a franchise-record 610 victories, while leading the team to the playoffs in every season of his tenure. His second stint with Los Angeles ended in 2011, but his impact on the organisation remains firmly established.
Lakers governor Jeanie Buss praised Jackson’s influence, saying his creative approach and commitment to excellence helped bring out the best in some of basketball’s greatest players while restoring the franchise’s championship standard.
Jackson Joins Lakers Legends With Statues
Jackson will become the ninth person associated with the Lakers to be honoured with a statue at Star Plaza outside the arena. He will join legendary figures including Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Chick Hearn and former Lakers coach Pat Riley, whose statue was unveiled earlier this year.
NBA’s Winningest Head Coach
Jackson’s legacy extends well beyond Los Angeles. His 11 NBA championships as a head coach remain the most in league history, spanning his successful runs with both the Bulls and Lakers. The North Dakota native and former New York Knicks forward is also a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, further highlighting his extraordinary career in the NBA.
