Style Icon Pat Riley - The Godfather of the NBA

Pat Riley did more than just lead the Los Angeles Lakers to success – he became a style icon, not only on the sidelines but also beyond. With his impeccably, he brought a classic , sophisticated flair to the world of basketball.

Text: Aleksander Balta
Photo: Alamy

Published 2024-11-26

The polished hardwood floor gleams under the yellow light piercing through the smoky air. Here, on the outskirts of Los Angeles, California, Patrick "Pat" Riley, also known as "The Godfather of the NBA" — is about to win his first championship as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Many remember Patrick Riley for the sporting successes he achieved with his team in the 1980s, but we choose to remember him for something else synonymous with Pat Riley: his iconic style.

Since their glory days in the 1950s, the Los Angeles Lakers had only won one NBA championship — a title Patrick Riley helped secure as a player in 1972. Although his playing career hadn’t left an indelible mark on basketball history, his career would eventually prove significant in other ways. After his playing days, Patrick spent considerable time searching for his next big project, first attempting a role as a sports commentator before moving on to become an assistant coach for the championship-winning 1980 team, and eventually the head coach.

As the new head coach, Riley would usher in an era that transformed the Lakers into a dynasty, revolutionizing 1980s basketball. With a high-energy offense and rapid fast breaks, the sport found a new spark in the years that followed, all orchestrated by Riley and the emerging "Showtime Lakers," led by the iconic Earvin "Magic" Johnson and other legendary players.

Pat Riley during a Lakers game with Earvin "Magic" Johnson.

Few individuals have managed to revolutionise a sports culture the way Pat Riley did in the 1980's. In a sport where fashion was characterised by casual and relaxed attire influenced by the RnB artists of the era, things were about to change dramatically. With his slicked-back hair, piercing gaze and tailored suits, Riley didn't just dress to be noticed — he dressed to lead.

Dubbed the NBA's own "Godfather" for his iconic style and commanding personality, his wardrobe became an extension to his coaching philosophy: precision, discipline and unwavering confidence. This made him stand out dramatically, exuding authority as he coached his players from the sidelines. The media often remarked that he resembled a Wall Street stockbroker rather than a man tasked with leading the Los Angeles Lakers.

Miami Florida, 2007. The tailored style featuring high-quality, well-fitted garments was synonymous with "Pat" and it was well known that the suits he wore came from the Italian fashion house that was founded by
non other than Giorgio Armani.

His formal style inspired his own players, opponents and, eventually, other coaches who followed his lead. Riley embodied the idea of expressing one's personality through style, daring to go his own way and stay true to himself, leaving a lasting impression on the entire basketball league. Even today, traces of the seed Riley planted can still be seen. It's not uncommon to see NBA coaches of today dressed in classic looks with blazers in earthy colours and well-fitted shirts adorned with ties.

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Following his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Pat Riley achieved further sporting success as head coach of the New York Knicks, but most notably with the Miami Heat, where he won three additional championships—one as a coach and the rest as the team's president. Pat Riley didn’t just win championships; he set the standard. His influence is still felt today, from the players’ pace on the court to the coaches’ sharp attire on the sidelines.

In a sport defined by constant change, Riley remains a timeless icon—the Godfather of both basketball and style.

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