The rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics in the 1980s is largely credited with sparking a massive growth in popularity for the NBA. It brought both franchises and all of those involved into an entirely new level of recognition across the country and ultimately worldwide.
Of course, players such as Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were the most popular, but many others grew to be well known and influential as well with one of those being Lakers head coach Pat Riley. With his Armani suits and slicked back hair, Riley became an icon for his style on the sidelines and even inspired some major Hollywood figures.
The movie “Wall Street” was one of the most iconic films of the time with Michael Douglas winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Gordon Gekko. And during the recent statue unveiling for Riley at Crypto.com Arena, Douglas would reveal that the hairstyle for his iconic character was actually inspired by the legendary Lakers coach, via ESPN LA:
“Gordon Gekko’s hairdo came from Pat Riley.”
Legendary actor Michael Douglas on Wall Street and his friendship with Riles #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/qO9dgRDNCO
— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) February 22, 2026
It is a great story and one that is very believable as well. Riley was always such a smooth person and picturing him in a convertible with his hair staying completely still is pretty easy. The Lakers coach took time to make sure his appearance was right and he would’ve definitely made sure his hair remained perfect in any situation.
This story from Douglas also goes to show just how popular and influential the Lakers were at the time. By that point, Douglas was already a major star with multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations, but for arguably his most acclaimed role as one of the most memorable movie characters of all-time, there was just a bit of Lakers influence thanks to Riley.
Lakers legend Pat Riley wants NBA coaches to wear suits again
As was mentioned, Pat Riley was known for patrolling the sidelines for the Lakers in his custom-made Armani suits, but over the years the attire for coaches has changed significantly with most wearing team branded shirts and sweats. But Riley continues to hold fast that coaches should wear suits on the sidelines and hopes the NBA one day goes back to this.
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