Lakers to Honor Phil Jackson With Ninth Statue at Star Plaza

The Los Angeles Lakers announced they will unveil a statue of five-time champion coach Phil Jackson on April 9, 2027.

The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of legendary coach Phil Jackson at Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena on April 9, 2027, according to an announcement from the team on Tuesday. The ceremony is scheduled to take place prior to a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jackson, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007, will become the ninth individual associated with the franchise to receive a statue at the site, joining figures such as Magic Johnson, Jerry West, and Shaquille O'Neal.

During 11 seasons across two separate stints from 1999 to 2011, Jackson guided the Lakers to five NBA championships and a 5-2 record in the NBA Finals. His tenure included a three-peat from 2000 to 2002 and consecutive titles in 2009 and 2010. The 80-year-old coach utilized a triangle offense centered around stars Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and Pau Gasol to restore the team's championship legacy.

Commissioned to Omri Amrany of Rotblatt Amrany Studio, the monument recognizes a career that includes an unprecedented 11 total NBA coaching titles. Jackson was previously recognized as one of the 15 greatest coaches in league history during the NBA's 75th anniversary season. Acting governor Jeanie Buss stated that the tribute marks Jackson’s masterful approach and his role in bringing out the best in the game's greatest athletes.