Pat Riley is one of the most iconic figures in NBA history, particularly for his tenure as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers from 1981 to 1990. He is credited with shaping the “Showtime” era, which defined the Lakers’ style of play and brought tremendous success to the franchise. Below is a detailed breakdown of his track record with the team.
Coaching Tenure (1981–1990)
Riley took over as the Lakers’ head coach during the 1981–82 season after Paul Westhead was fired early in the campaign. At the time, the team was led by superstars Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with key contributions from James Worthy, Byron Scott, and Michael Cooper. Under Riley’s leadership, the Lakers implemented an up-tempo, fast-break offense that became one of the most exciting and dominant styles in NBA history.
NBA Championships and Finals Appearances
Riley coached the Lakers for nine full seasons, leading them to four NBA championships and seven NBA Finals appearances. His championship seasons include:
- 1981–82 Season: Riley’s first year as head coach resulted in an NBA title. The Lakers finished the regular season 57-25 and dominated the playoffs, culminating in a 4-2 Finals victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
- 1984–85 Season: The Lakers avenged their 1984 Finals loss to the Boston Celtics by defeating them 4-2 in the NBA Finals, marking the first time the Lakers had beaten the Celtics in a championship series.
- 1986–87 Season: One of the greatest seasons in Lakers history, Riley guided the team to a 65-17 record and another championship, defeating the Celtics 4-2 in the Finals. Magic Johnson was named Finals MVP.
- 1987–88 Season: Riley led the Lakers to back-to-back championships, a feat not achieved since the 1960s Celtics. They defeated the Detroit Pistons in a hard-fought seven-game series.
In addition to these championships, Riley also took the Lakers to the NBA Finals in 1983, 1984, and 1989, though they fell short in those years.
Regular Season Success
Riley maintained an impressive regular-season record throughout his tenure:
- Overall record with the Lakers: 533–194
- Winning percentage: .733
- Five 60+ win seasons, including a peak of 65-17 in 1986-87
- Four Western Conference titles
- Seven Pacific Division titles
Coaching Style and Legacy
Riley was known for his meticulous preparation, demanding leadership, and emphasis on conditioning. He cultivated a strong defensive mindset while allowing his offensive stars the freedom to thrive in the fast-paced Showtime system. His motivational tactics and ability to manage star players set him apart from other coaches of his era.
Riley left the Lakers after the 1989-90 season, moving on to coach the New York Knicks and later the Miami Heat, where he continued his successful coaching and executive career.
Conclusion
Pat Riley’s tenure as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers remains one of the most successful and influential periods in NBA history. With four championships, multiple Finals appearances, and a legacy of excellence, Riley solidified his place as one of the greatest coaches of all time.
