Phil Jackson, renowned for his outstanding NBA coaching record, will be honored with a statue by the Los Angeles Lakers, the team confirmed. Jackson, who secured five titles with the Lakers, will be commemorated prior to an April game in the 2026-27 season. This tribute will place him among other Lakers legends in Star Plaza outside the team’s Los Angeles venue.
Jeanie Buss, Lakers acting governor, emphasized Jackson’s pivotal role in the team’s legacy. She stated, “Phil Jackson defines championship basketball. His unique coaching approach maximized the potential of legendary athletes.” Buss credited Jackson with revitalizing the team’s championship legacy, securing five titles during his tenure.
Jackson, celebrating his 81st birthday soon, coached the Lakers over 11 seasons during two separate tenures, from 1999-2004 and 2005-2011. Under his leadership, the Lakers achieved five NBA championships. Key players during these periods included Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Pau Gasol.
Jackson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007. His legacy also includes coaching Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships.
The statue will join those of other Lakers luminaries like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and others outside Crypto.com Arena. Bryant has two statues in Star Plaza, one honoring both him and his late daughter, Gianna.
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