Another piece of Lakers history is set to be immortalized outside Crypto.com Arena, as Phil Jackson, the legendary coach, will receive his own statue in 2027. The Lakers announced on Tuesday that they have commissioned the statue, which is slated for unveiling on April 9, 2027, during the Minnesota Timberwolves' visit to Los Angeles for what will be the next-to-last game of the 2026-27 season.
Omri Amrany of Rotblatt Amrany Studio has been tasked with designing and creating the tribute. The addition will place Jackson among the pantheon of Lakers figures already honored at Star Plaza, recognizing his significant impact on the franchise's legacy.
Jackson's tenure with the Lakers spanned two distinct periods, both marked by championship success. He was brought on by then-Lakers owner Jerry Buss before the 1999-00 season, arriving in Los Angeles with a formidable reputation established by his time with the Chicago Bulls. Jackson led the Lakers to three consecutive championships between 1999 and 2004, with the powerful duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal at the helm. After a brief departure, he returned to guide the team to two more titles between 2005 and 2011, this time featuring Bryant alongside Pau Gasol.
His five NBA championships with the Lakers only tell part of the story. Before his move to Southern California, Jackson had already cemented his place in basketball history by leading Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles during the 1990s. With a grand total of 11 championships, Jackson holds the record for the most NBA titles as a coach, surpassing the nine won by former Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach.
Lakers governor Jeanie Buss expressed the organization’s sentiment in a statement released by the team. “Phil Jackson defines championship basketball for a reason,” Buss said, adding that his “masterful approach to coaching brought out the best in some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game.” She further noted that after accepting her father's invitation, Jackson's “unmatched creativity and commitment to excellence restored our championship legacy, bringing five titles and setting a standard of excellence for generations to come.” Buss concluded by calling it “a great joy to be able to mark that achievement with the statue he so richly deserves.”
Jackson’s statue will find its place alongside those of other Lakers luminaries at Star Plaza. This distinguished group includes players such as Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Magic Johnson, and Jerry West, as well as fellow coach Pat Riley and the iconic broadcaster Chick Hearn. The unveiling will serve as a permanent reminder of Jackson's monumental contributions to Southern California basketball.
