The Los Angeles Lakers will honor former head coach Phil Jackson with a bronze statue outside Crypto.com Arena, the team announced Tuesday. The statue will be unveiled before the Lakers’ April 9, 2027 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking Jackson’s induction into the Lakers’ Star Plaza as its ninth member.
The Lakers confirmed the honor in a statement attributed to acting governor Jeanie Buss, who praised Jackson’s contributions to the franchise. The team described Jackson as defining "championship basketball" and credited his leadership with restoring the Lakers’ legacy, which included five NBA championships during his two stints as head coach.
Key details of the honor
The statue will be created by Omri Amrany of Rotblatt Amrany Studio, known for sculpting sports figures including Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Jackson’s statue will join those of Lakers legends such as Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar outside the arena.
Jackson, who turns 81 next week, coached the Lakers for 11 seasons across two periods: from 1999–2004 and 2005–2011. His teams won championships in both eras, first with Bryant and O’Neal as co-stars, then later with Bryant and Pau Gasol. Jackson’s 11 total NBA championships as a head coach remain the most in league history, surpassing the previous record held by Red Auerbach.
Jackson’s legacy and impact
Before joining the Lakers, Jackson had already established himself as one of the NBA’s most successful coaches, leading the Chicago Bulls to six championships during the 1990s alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. His tenure with the Lakers cemented his reputation as a transformative figure in franchise history.
The Lakers’ announcement emphasized Jackson’s "masterful approach to coaching" and his role in bringing out the best in players such as Bryant, O’Neal, and Gasol. The team framed the statue as a deserved recognition of his storied career and lasting influence on the game.
The unveiling will take place during the 2026–27 regular season, aligning with the Lakers’ ongoing efforts to celebrate their championship legacy and honor iconic figures in franchise history.