LeBron James Says He Has 'Utmost Respect' for Pat Riley on Video as NBA Legend Gets Lakers Statue

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James had some kind words for Pat Riley after watching his statue get unveiled on Sunday.

James told reporters that he has the "utmost respect" for the former Lakers coach after the team's 111-98 loss to the Boston Celtics.

Of course, James and Riley have a long history from when the star forward played for the Miami Heat and won two NBA championships under the longtime owner. James famously decided to enter free agency in 2014, which came after Riley banned the team from eating cookies on the team plane.

Still, James warmly greeted Riley when he saw him in the tunnel at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.

The Lakers unveiled a nearly 8-foot tall, 510-pound bronze statue of Riley wearing his usual Giorgio Armani suit. While speaking during the ceremony, Riley discussed his relationship with James.

"I thought getting the big three—Dwyane, Chris Bosh and especially LeBron -- that we had finally put together what I thought could become a dynasty," Riley said, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "It was, I mean, four trips to the Finals in a row, two world championships was an incredible run. And, as a coach and as somebody who really thought about how to build that particular team and who built it, I saw something that could have lasted eight to 10 years.

"But I understood … the business in the NBA is the business in the NBA and players have an opportunity to go somewhere else. And he went to Cleveland and he won a title up there. So, I wish him nothing but the best. But I'm going to be selfish here and say, I wish I had him for another six or eight years. Would've been great, but we'll never know."