Los Angeles Lakers will honor head coach Phil Jackson with a permanent statue at Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena, according to an announcement by the franchise. The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for April 9, 2027, ahead of the Lakers’ home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jackson led the Lakers for 11 seasons across two separate tenures from 1999 to 2004 and 2005 to 2011, capturing five NBA championships and compiling a franchise-record 610 coaching victories. The upcoming tribute places the Hall of Fame coach among the most decorated figures in the organization’s history, recognizing a career defined by championship excellence and the implementation of the triangle offense.
A Historic Legacy in Los Angeles
During his tenure on the bench in Los Angeles, Jackson guided the team to a 5-2 record in the NBA Finals. His first three titles arrived consecutively between 2000 and 2002, anchored by the star duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. After returning to the franchise following a brief hiatus, Jackson secured two additional championships in 2009 and 2010 with Bryant and Pau Gasol serving as the team’s primary pillars.
According to historical records from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, where Jackson was inducted in 2007, his 11 total championships as a head coach remain the most in NBA history. He also earned selection among the 15 greatest coaches in league history during the NBA’s 75th-anniversary celebration.
Buss added that Jackson’s creativity and commitment to excellence restored the franchise’s championship legacy following his appointment by her father.
Star Plaza Company and Design Details
When the monument is unveiled on April 9, 2027, Jackson will become the ninth individual associated with the Lakers to receive a statue in Star Plaza.
The artwork has been commissioned by the Lakers and designed by Omri Amrany from the Rotblatt Amrany studio.
Jackson’s teams reached the postseason in every single season he stood on the sidelines for Los Angeles, advancing to the NBA Finals in 2004 and 2008 alongside their five championship campaigns. His coaching career concluded following the 2011 season, having established an enduring standard for the organization.
Related reading
