Phil Jackson Gets Lakers Statue for 5 Championships

Phil Jackson, the mastermind behind some of basketball's greatest championship runs, is getting a permanent tribute outside the Lakers' home arena.

The team announced Tuesday that Jackson will receive a statue at Star Plaza, becoming the ninth Lakers figure honored in bronze. The unveiling will happen before a game during the 2026-27 season, just ahead of Jackson's 81st birthday.

"Phil Jackson defines championship basketball for a reason," said Lakers acting governor Jeanie Buss. She credits Jackson with restoring the Lakers' championship legacy after her father invited him to join the team.

Jackson's Lakers resume speaks for itself. He coached the team for 11 seasons across two stints, from 1999 to 2004 and again from 2005 to 2011. Those years brought five NBA championships to Los Angeles.

His first three titles came with the legendary duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal during their famous three-peat run. Bryant remained the team's cornerstone for Jackson's final two championships, paired with Pau Gasol.

The numbers tell an even bigger story. Jackson holds the record for most NBA coaching titles ever with 11 total championships. Before his Lakers success, he guided Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls to six championships across two three-peat runs.

Why This Inspires

Jackson's achievement goes beyond trophies and winning percentages. His coaching philosophy brought out the best in some of basketball's most talented and complex personalities. Managing egos while building championship teams takes a rare combination of wisdom, creativity, and leadership.

The Basketball Hall of Fame recognized Jackson's impact in 2007. Now, nearly two decades later, the Lakers are ensuring his legacy lives on in a place where fans can visit and remember what he built.

Jackson will join an exclusive club at Star Plaza. The other Lakers immortalized there include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, broadcaster Chick Hearn, Magic Johnson, Pat Riley, Jerry West, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant, who has two statues including one honoring his daughter Gianna.

For Lakers fans who watched Jackson orchestrate those championship runs, the statue represents more than past glory. It stands as a reminder that excellence, properly guided, can create dynasties that inspire generations.