The Los Angeles Lakers will stage their seventh consecutive Pride Night on Oct. 17 when the team meets the Sacramento Kings in the preseason finale at Crypto.com Arena.
The organization said it will welcome members of the local LGBTQIA+ community for the event, continuing a tradition that began in 2018. As in previous years, the Lakers are expected to present the “Laces of Unity” award to an individual who advances LGBTQIA+ awareness, though this season’s honoree has not yet been revealed. Details on in-arena giveaways—previous editions included commemorative jerseys and T-shirts—also remain pending.
The matchup with Sacramento concludes Los Angeles’ six-game preseason slate and serves as the club’s final tune-up before the 2025-26 regular season opens on Oct. 21, when the Golden State Warriors visit Crypto.com Arena. The upcoming campaign marks the first full season in purple and gold for Luka Doncic and could be the last for four-time MVP LeBron James.
Pat Riley Statue Ceremony Set for Feb. 22
The Lakers also confirmed plans to unveil a statue of Hall of Fame coach Pat Riley on Feb. 22, prior to a regular-season game against the Boston Celtics. Riley guided the “Showtime” Lakers to four NBA championships during the 1980s and ranks fifth on the league’s all-time coaching wins list. Within franchise history, he holds the highest regular-season winning percentage and trails only Phil Jackson in total victories.
The date aligns with the Celtics matchup, the opponent Riley defeated for his first championship as Lakers head coach in 1985.
Source: Lakers Nation
