Lakers unveiling Phil Jackson statue outside Crypto.com Arena

The Lakers will unveil a statue of another legendary coach late in the 2026-27 season. 

The franchise announced Tuesday that it'll unveil a statue of Phil Jackson, who won five NBA championships in 11 seasons with the Lakers, on April 9, 2027 outside Crypto.com Arena.

The team is set to host the Timberwolves that night in a nationally-televised game on ESPN. 

"Phil Jackson defines championship basketball for a reason," Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement. "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. It is a great joy to be able to mark that achievement with the statue he so richly deserves."

After guiding the Bulls to six NBA titles from 1991-98, Jackson took over the Lakers coaching reins ahead of the 1999-2000 season, leading the franchise in one of its best eras: Five NBA titles (seven NBA Finals appearances), including three consecutive championships from 2000-02 and back-to-back titles in 2009 and '10, while he was head coach from 1999-2004 and 2005-2011.