Lakers to Honor Legendary Coach Phil Jackson with Statue Celebrating His Historic Achievements

The Lakers have decided to build a statue for legendary coach Phil Jackson to commemorate his outstanding contributions in franchise history. Jackson led the Los Angeles Lakers to seven NBA Finals appearances and five championships, and he will become the ninth distinguished figure to receive this honor from the Lakers.

Although many fans associate Jackson with the Chicago Bulls, his profound impact on the Lakers cannot be overlooked. From 2000 to 2022, Jackson guided the Lakers to a three-peat and then won back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. Before he joined the team in 1999, the Lakers were in a difficult period and searching for a resurgence, and Jackson's arrival provided the direction they needed.

The statue will be unveiled on April 9, 2027, with the news reported by ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin, who cited Lakers acting owner Jeanie Buss. Buss said: "His coaching ability unlocked the potential of some of the greatest athletes in history. Since accepting my father's invitation to join the Lakers, Jackson's exceptional creativity and pursuit of perfection reshaped our former glory, brought five championship trophies, and established a new standard." She also added, "I feel deeply honored to commemorate his achievements with a statue that he truly deserves."

Now 80 years old, Jackson not only helped Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol reach the peaks of their careers. He also guided the Lakers through the difficult period when tensions existed between O'Neal and Bryant, helping the team emerge stronger from challenges. When Jackson left the Lakers in 2011, he had already won 11 championship trophies, making him one of the coaches with the most championships in NBA history, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007.

With Jackson's statue being completed, he will become the ninth Lakers legend to have a statue. The other eight are O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Pat Riley and Chick Hearn.