Lakers to Honor Phil Jackson with Statue

The update

The Los Angeles Lakers announced plans to unveil a statue of Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson outside Crypto.com Arena next spring. The ceremony will take place before the Lakers’ April 9, 2027, game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jackson, who led the team to five championships, will become the ninth figure immortalized in Star Plaza.

Why it matters

This statue marks a formal recognition of Jackson’s role in restoring the Lakers’ championship legacy. His tenure, defined by the triangle offense and a focus on player psychology, resulted in five titles over 11 seasons. The move comes as the franchise navigates a complex ownership transition.

What to watch

Readers should monitor the design of the statue and the details of the unveiling ceremony. The statue was commissioned by the Lakers to be designed and created by Omri Amrany of Rotblatt Amrany Studio. The Lakers are currently in the midst of a franchise sale, which has drawn public scrutiny regarding the Buss family’s internal dynamics.

Sources

• cbssports.com — date of unveiling (April 9, 2027), opponent (Minnesota Timberwolves), and Jeanie Buss's quote.
• espn.com — confirmation of the unveiling date, Jackson's coaching record, and the list of other statues in Star Plaza.
• The Big Lead — general context of the Lakers' storied history and the announcement of the statue.