Discussion
Stephen A. describes Pat Riley’s legacy after Lakers statue unveiling | First Take YouTube Exclusive
In this First Take YouTube Exclusive, Stephen A. Smith and Vincent Goodwill join Shae Cornette to discuss Pat Riley’s comments at his Lakers statue unveiling, along with his NBA legacy. ✔️ Subscribe to ESPN Unlimited: #ESPN #NBA #FirstTake
@MrWheezy05
February 23, 2026 at 5:20 pm
Obviously you all have never coached because a suit would be horrible as much as I sweat barking out orders all game. NBA might be different if they sit the whole game.
@BUDOKAIultimate3
February 23, 2026 at 6:11 pm
You aint cut from the same cloth as Pat Riley and Chuck Daly…
@chrisstevens2069
February 23, 2026 at 5:30 pm
Coches are not fashion models. They are coaches… Let them wear what’s comfortable.
@BUDOKAIultimate3
February 23, 2026 at 6:04 pm
No, they arent fashion models, they are PROFESSIONALS…
And back then, Men understood what that meant…in ALL aspects and thus, carried themselves as such.
Suit and Tie was the standard. It Wasn’t about what made you “comfy”…..and if it was, you could get tailor-made suit that was comfortable.
@chrisstevens2069
February 23, 2026 at 6:24 pm
@BUDOKAIultimate3 BUT… it doesn’t have any bearing on wins or losses.
@BUDOKAIultimate3
February 23, 2026 at 6:51 pm
@chrisstevens2069 It ain’t supposed to.
@marlonnicholson8410
February 23, 2026 at 5:33 pm
Pat Riley actually retired MJs #23 for the Miami Heat just because of the great competitive respect he has for MJ when he never played for Miami. Real recognize real.
@KingMcElvy
February 23, 2026 at 5:35 pm
All coaches dress the same like they all coach the same. Chuck A 3 Sunday is every day
@PaulJackson729
February 23, 2026 at 5:37 pm
They used to call legendary Pistons coach Chuck Daly “Daddy Rich” for a reason. I agree with Pat Riley.
@portillo64ify
February 23, 2026 at 5:41 pm
I wish pat riley could give spoelstra and actual contender cause he deserves a shot with a real good team
@Notafanofgabage
February 23, 2026 at 5:45 pm
The nba has done everthing to get away from what made them great, Even the players look diffrent, You cant even tell if some of them is male or female.
@baiteme
February 23, 2026 at 6:01 pm
Head coaches today dont wear suits because its easier to run up to refs to complain about calls when you arent wearing suits.
@BUDOKAIultimate3
February 23, 2026 at 6:10 pm
Cap.
They were doing the same things back then in full suits. Clothes ain’t never stopped a coach from running to the Refs.
They were borderline getting into fights too back then.
@agentcodybanx8909
February 23, 2026 at 6:08 pm
As a viewer, I dont care what a coach is wearing. Thats the last thing I care about. Hows the team playing is the only thing most fans care about
@ElectricCafe-45
February 23, 2026 at 6:17 pm
where did stephen find an analyst with a worse hair line than his?
@thomazchina
February 23, 2026 at 6:32 pm
Shai is great!
@easlam5503
February 23, 2026 at 6:49 pm
I don’t go to a basketball game. I’m wondering what suit the coach is wearing today I came to watch the players play 😂
@StephanRohan
February 23, 2026 at 6:55 pm
Those coaches in sweatpants look foolish. Sorry.
@ZachLynn410
February 23, 2026 at 7:01 pm
Beautiful story there, SA. But I totally agree with Pat on the coaches getting back to the coat and tie. Been wondering when they’ll get back to that.
@kobeandmike
February 23, 2026 at 7:03 pm
riley did d-wade dirty with his statue…..
@Themoomabides
February 23, 2026 at 7:18 pm
Greatest Laker Head Coach of all time. And Phil needs a statue too.
@showmecreationsmultimedia
February 23, 2026 at 7:24 pm
A bit hypocritical. Pat Riley’s own head coach Erik Spoelstra doesn’t wear Armani suits.
@ngkky
February 23, 2026 at 7:55 pm
If First Take is an NBA player, he would be entering the ‘veteran minimum’ stage of his career.
@thiccpotato
February 23, 2026 at 8:19 pm
Greatest Kentucky basketball player of all time imo as far as resume
@ZeydrianDisney
February 23, 2026 at 8:26 pm
Championship ring that about
@Dec4AllTimeAlways
February 23, 2026 at 8:28 pm
Phil Jackson will get a statue from the Lakers but the Bulls never gave him one. SMH. Pat Riley and LeBron finally making amends.
@martinvera5962
February 23, 2026 at 8:29 pm
Pat is THE BEST! Coast to Coast.
@MRGREENPROP561
February 23, 2026 at 8:37 pm
As a Miami Heat fan, its SUPER WIERD TO SEE THE LAKER LOGO BEHIND HIM IN THAT PRESS CONFERENCE…FRFR
@S94701-t
February 23, 2026 at 9:31 pm
This topic is so stupid and the point is so stupid. This is what makes people think that just because you wear a suit you’re a successful person. Since when did it become about WHAT you wear and WHO you are as a person. Idgaf about you just because you wear a suit. I’d treat the janitor with more respect because I bet they’d be more humble. People in suits are the biggest thieves in history. But they wear a suit and smile nice so they MUST be a good person right? Foh with this dumb segment
@KingPep91
February 23, 2026 at 10:29 pm
Adam Silver ruined the league