While many will easily associate with the Chicago Bulls, and for good reason, it is impossible to forget the as well.
Jackson led the Lakers to a three-peat from 2000 to 2022 and a back-to-back in 2009 and 2010. Before he arrived in 1999, Los Angeles was mired in mediocrity and struggling to reclaim its lost glory. As it turned out, Jackson, who had two stints with the Purple and Gold, was the solution.
To honor the “Zen Master,” the Lakers will of Jackson on April 9, 2027, as reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, quoting a statement from Jeanie Buss, the Lakers’ acting governor.
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“His masterful approach to coaching brought out the best in some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. After he accepted my dad’s invitation to join the Lakers, Phil’s unmatched creativity and commitment to excellence restored our championship legacy, bringing five titles and setting a standard of excellence for generations to come,” said Buss.
“It is a great joy to be able to mark that achievement with the statue he so richly deserves.”
The 80-year-old Jackson helped steer Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Pau Gasol to greatness. He also navigated the Lakers through a tumultuous stretch when O’Neal and Bryant had a nasty feud.
By the time , he had 11 titles, the most by any coach in league history.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.
Jackson will be the ninth member of the Lakers with a statue, joining O’Neal, Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Pat Riley, and Chick Hearn.
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