LeBron James Shares Heartwarming Embrace with Pat Riley on His Lakers Statue Night

Pat Riley originally recruited LeBron James to join the Miami Heat to win multiple championships over a long period of time.

LeBron James Shares Heartwarming Embrace with Pat Riley on His Lakers Statue Night

Pat Riley and LeBron James (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • LeBron James embraced Pat Riley during the unveiling of Riley's statue by the Lakers.
  • Riley expressed a desire for a longer partnership with James, believing they could have won more championships.
  • James acknowledged Riley's impact on his career and expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the Heat.

On his way to becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron James had to join the Miami Heat and learn under the tutelage of Pat Riley, on how to become a champion.

The Akron native’s ‘The Decision’ irked many in the sports world, but it worked out well for him, as he then went on to win his first two championships with the Heat, playing alongside close friends and fellow draft classmates, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.

James left after four seasons and went on to win titles with his Cleveland Cavaliers and then the Los Angeles Lakers. Ahead of their game against the Boston Celtics, his current team held an event to unveil a statue to immortalize Pat Riley.

Knowing what this means for the mentor who helped him become a champion, the league’s all-time leading scorer headed straight to the Godfather before tip-off.

The two shared a heartwarming embrace, and both sported wide smiles even though their working relationship at the Heat was short-lived. James also embraced Riley’s wife of 56 years, Christine, before heading for warmups.

Later, at halftime, the Lakers brought on some of their Showtime stars to celebrate Pat Riley‘s legacy. Instead of being with his teammates in the locker room to work on their game, James took his place near the scorers’ table to watch the franchise celebrate their former head coach.

Pat Riley wished he had LeBron James on the Heat for a few more years

Before the game started, the Lakers also organized for Pat Riley to speak to the media from their own media room, where one reporter asked him to share his thoughts on the four years LeBron James was with the Miami Heat.

Pat Riley and LeBron James after their 2nd championship win
Riley and James after their 2nd championship win (Image via Bleacher Report/X)

Four trips to the Finals in a row, two championships… it was an incredible run… I saw something that could’ve lasted eight to 10 years… I’m going to be selfish here, I wish I had him another 6-8 years would’ve been great. But we’ll never know, will we?

Riley replied

The 80-year-old’s answer indicates that had the 22-time All-Star been with his Heat for a while longer, they may have won a few more championships than they ended up with.

Dwyane Wade, who was with Riley at his statue unveiling, mentioned in the past that the legendary coach’s ways may have forced James to leave their friendship behind and head back to the franchise that drafted him.

Ironically, James has recently given up on his favorite chocolate chips, the same ones that allegedly led to friction between him and the Heat President at the time.

LeBron James weighs in on Pat Riley’s wish

After the press conference and the celebrations, Pat Riley sat courtside to watch LeBron James and his Lakers take on the Boston Celtics. After losing the game by a 22-point margin, reporters asked the 41-year-old about the Heat executive’s ‘wish.’

I never said I’m gonna go there 4 years, and decide to go somewhere (else)… that’s just how the cards was played… I wouldn’t have gave myself another 12 years to be playing this game either. So, that’s another story.

James replied to Dave McMenamin

It seems the four-time league MVP knows what could have transpired had he stayed in South Beach. At the same time, he also knows that the world does not work as per one’s wish, and several things have to fall into place.

James then reiterated how grateful he is for Riley and the Heat to give him the opportunity to win championships, as he knew he had it in him as a player, but was not getting the right situation to win.

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