Phil Jackson’s place in Los Angeles Lakers history will soon be immortalized in bronze. The franchise has announced plans to unveil a statue of its former head coach at Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena on April 9, 2027, ahead of its home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jackson will become the ninth person associated with the Lakers to receive a statue at the plaza, joining Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, legendary broadcaster Chick Hearn and fellow championship coach Pat Riley.
Few coaches have left a greater mark on the franchise. Jackson arrived in Los Angeles in 1999 after winning six championships with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. He immediately helped turn the Lakers into a dynasty, guiding Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal to three consecutive titles from 2000 through 2002.
After leaving the team following the 2003-04 season, Jackson returned in 2005 and led another championship run, this time with Bryant and Pau Gasol at the center of the Lakers’ success. Los Angeles won back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010, bringing Jackson’s total with the franchise to five.
Across his 11 seasons on the Lakers’ bench, Jackson recorded a franchise-best 610 regular-season victories, reached seven NBA Finals and never missed the playoffs. His 11 championships as a head coach remain an NBA record.
Lakers governor Jeanie Buss credited Jackson with helping restore the franchise’s championship tradition after her father, Jerry Buss, brought him to Los Angeles. She praised his ability to bring out the best in elite players and establish a standard that would endure beyond his coaching career.
The statue will be created by sculptor Omri Amrany of Rotblatt Amrany Studio. Its unveiling will follow the Lakers’ February 2026 tribute to Pat Riley, giving the franchise’s two most decorated head coaches permanent places among its celebrated figures outside the arena.
Jackson’s legacy extends far beyond his championship rings. His use of the triangle offense, emphasis on team chemistry and distinctive approach to managing superstar personalities helped shape two of the NBA’s defining dynasties.
