Lakers update: LeBron James expresses ‘Utmost respect’ for Pat Riley.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has always shared a meaningful connection with legendary coach and executive Pat Riley.

Feb 22, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers former coach Pat Riley at statue unveiling at the Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Back in the summer of 2010, James made the headline-grabbing decision to join the Miami Heat, where Riley was serving as team president. During their four seasons together in Miami, the partnership resulted in two NBA championships and four consecutive Finals appearances, cementing one of the most dominant stretches in modern basketball history.

There has long been speculation that the relationship between James and Riley became strained when LeBron opted to leave Miami in 2014 to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Whether there was tension or not, James made it clear recently that his admiration for Riley remains unchanged. During halftime of the Lakers’ matchup against the Boston Celtics, LeBron took time to watch part of the ceremony honoring Riley, who now has a statue outside Crypto.com Arena.

James spoke glowingly about Riley’s impact on the game.

“Absolutely. I got out there for a little bit and sat on the bench during half-time,” LeBron said. “That’s one of the all-time greats since he’s been a part of this league, as a player, as a coach, executive, front office, everything. Obviously, what he did here for the Lakers organization in the 1980’s, it goes without saying and rightfully so with him having a statue outside this building. I spent four years with him. I’ve got the utmost respect for him and for his family and everything. So, it’s pretty cool.”

Prior to Sunday’s game, the Lakers officially unveiled Riley’s statue in recognition of his incredible achievements with the franchise. As head coach during the iconic “Showtime” era of the 1980s, Riley guided the Lakers to four NBA championships and helped shape one of the most entertaining dynasties in league history.

While Riley’s legacy in Los Angeles is undeniable, LeBron’s personal bond with him stems from their time in Miami. James acknowledged how significant that chapter was in his career and how it helped him accomplish his ultimate goal of winning a title.

“I think it’s just the whole Heat organization,” James explained. “I went down there with the only goal, only mindset that I had was to win a championship. I felt like I couldn’t do it at my first stint in Cleveland, tried, just didn’t feel like it would be possible. So I needed to figure out my own path and conquer some goals that I had. I feel like going there, they had did it in ’06 so not even four years removed or whatever the case may be, and they had a couple of down years after that. So I feel like I know how to play the game and I felt like they could possibly put me in a position where I could achieve the goals that I had, and I was able to accomplish that.”

Many observers believe LeBron was at the absolute peak of his powers during his Miami tenure, which makes the fact that he spent only four seasons there feel surprisingly brief. James admitted that it’s natural to reflect on how things might have unfolded had he stayed longer, though he recognizes that every decision shaped the rest of his journey.

“I never said that I’m going to go there for four years and then decide to go. That’s just how the cards were played,” LeBron added. “But yeah, it’s human nature to look back and say what could have been. But you know, that’s part of life. The four years we had were great. Obviously, we were able to pick up two championships. We lost two of them, unfortunately. But a lot of great memories [and] a lot of great times there. It would’ve been interesting to see what could have happened. I also wouldn’t have given myself another 12 years to be playing this game either. So that’s another story.”

Had LeBron remained in Miami beyond 2014, it’s possible he never would have worn the purple and gold of the Lakers. That alternate history will always be a mystery. Instead, James now looks back on his Heat years with appreciation while continuing to chase success in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, the Lakers’ current ambitions hinge on building chemistry among their stars. Luka Dončić recently acknowledged that the on-court connection between himself, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves is still a work in progress. For the Lakers to maximize their championship hopes, that trio must develop stronger cohesion as the season progresses.