Trend Report
Phil Jackson Statue: Location, Unveiling Date & His Legendary Legacy
Updated September 8, 2026
Phil Jackson, the most decorated coach in NBA history, is set to receive a statue outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers announced the tribute, scheduled for unveiling in April 2027, sparking excitement among fans. Here's everything you need to know about the Phil Jackson statue location, his unparalleled career, and how to visit.
Key takeaways
- ✓Phil Jackson's statue will be unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena in April 2027.
- ✓Jackson won a record 11 NBA championships as head coach of the Bulls and Lakers.
- ✓The statue will join those of Lakers greats Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant.
- ✓Jackson is the first coach to receive a statue from the Lakers, highlighting his unique legacy.
- ✓Fans can visit the statue year-round at the Legends Plaza, accessible to the public.
Phil Jackson Statue Location: Where Will It Stand?
The Phil Jackson statue will be unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena, the home of the Los Angeles Lakers, in the heart of downtown LA. It will join the iconic statues of Lakers legends like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant, creating a 'Legends Plaza' that celebrates the franchise's greatest figures.
Fans can visit the statue year-round, as the plaza is accessible to the public. The exact spot will be near the main entrance, ensuring high visibility for the thousands of fans attending games and events. The unveiling ceremony in April 2027 will be a star-studded event, likely attended by former players, coaches, and celebrities.
Phil Jackson Statue Unveiling Date: April 2027
The Lakers have officially announced that the Phil Jackson statue will be unveiled in April 2027. While an exact day has not been confirmed, the ceremony will coincide with the NBA regular season's final stretch, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
The date holds symbolic significance, as it marks the 20th anniversary of Jackson's final season as Lakers head coach, when he led the team to the 2010 NBA championship. The unveiling will be a major event, with expected speeches from Lakers ownership, former players, and Jackson himself.
Why Is Phil Jackson Getting a Statue?
Phil Jackson is widely regarded as the greatest coach in NBA history, with a record 11 championships—six with the Chicago Bulls and five with the Los Angeles Lakers. His 'Triangle Offense' revolutionized the game, and his ability to manage superstar egos (Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal) was unmatched.
Jackson's impact on the Lakers' franchise is profound. He led the team to five titles in two separate three-peat runs (2000-2002 and 2009-2010), cementing his legacy as a mastermind. The statue honors not just his wins, but his cultural influence on basketball and leadership.
Phil Jackson's Coaching Career and Championships
Jackson began his head coaching career with the Chicago Bulls in 1989, leading them to six NBA championships in the 1990s. His success continued with the Lakers, where he won five more titles, including three consecutive from 2000 to 2002 and back-to-back in 2009 and 2010.
His 11 championships are the most by any coach in NBA history, surpassing Red Auerbach's nine. Jackson also holds the record for most playoff wins (229) and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007. His coaching philosophy blended Zen Buddhism, mindfulness, and basketball strategy, earning him the nickname 'The Zen Master.'
Lakers Statues: A Timeline of Legends
The Lakers have a tradition of honoring their greatest players with statues outside Crypto.com Arena. The first was Magic Johnson in 2004, followed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2012), Shaquille O'Neal (2017), and Kobe Bryant (2024). Phil Jackson's statue will be the first for a coach, a testament to his unique impact.
Each statue is designed to capture the essence of the legend, and Jackson's will likely feature him in his signature suit, maybe with a championship trophy or in a thoughtful pose. The sculptor has not been announced, but fans expect a masterpiece that reflects his calm, commanding presence.
How to Visit the Phil Jackson Statue
To visit the Phil Jackson statue, head to Crypto.com Arena at 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015. The plaza is open to the public, and you can view the statue without a ticket. The arena is easily accessible via public transit (Metro Rail) and is near attractions like LA Live, the Grammy Museum, and the Los Angeles Convention Center.
For the best experience, plan your visit on a non-game day to avoid crowds. Combine your trip with a Lakers game or a tour of the arena for a full basketball pilgrimage. Don't forget to take photos and pay respects to the other Lakers legends nearby.
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