Michael Douglas Pays Tribute to Pat Riley With Gordon Gekko Hairdo Confession

Honoring former Los Angeles Lakers coach Pat Riley, who won five NBA championships with the team as head coach from 1981 to 1990, famed actor Michael Douglas referenced his Wall Street character, Gordon Gekko.

Douglas spoke at the unveiling of Riley’s statue. He joked that his Wall Street character’s look was inspired by Riley in a very specific way.

“Gordon Gekko’s hairstyle came from Pat Riley” – Michael Douglas on getting inspiration for his iconic role in the film Wall Street from the Hall of Fame Lakers coach pic.twitter.com/TERNYPDLpq

-Dave McMenamin (@mcten) 22 February 2026

Douglas added, “And yes, I have to admit that Gordon Gekko’s hairstyle came from Pat Riley,” causing some members of the crowd to laugh.

Gordon Gekko is Douglas’ character in the series Wall Street. The first film was released in 1987, and a sequel followed in 2010. Douglas starred in Wall Street with Charlie Sheen, Martin Sheen and Daryl Hannah.

Pat Riley’s great innings with the Lakers

Riley is largely associated with his time with the Lakers. He played for them from 1970 to 1975 and won the 1972 NBA Finals with them.

After retiring as a player, Riley joined the Lakers in 1979 as an assistant coach. He was then promoted to head coach in 1981, and held the position until 1990.

During his tenure as head coach of the Lakers, Riley led the team to four NBA championships. They won titles in 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988. The Lakers also won the NBA Finals in 1980 when Riley was still an assistant coach.

He then joined the New York Knicks from 1991 to 1995, and Riley coached the Miami Heat for several years and won an NBA championship.

As an executive, Riley has won two NBA championships. The Heat went back-to-back in 2012 and 2013 with the “Big Three” (LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade).

After all, the Lakers have honored Riley in fitting fashion. His statue is installed outside the Crypto.com Arena. He has been immortalized alongside artists like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.