Transition to Coaching
After retiring as a player, Riley initially pursued opportunities outside of basketball. He briefly worked as a broadcast commentator for the Lakers, showcasing his articulate nature and deep understanding of the game. However, the pull of the court proved too strong to resist.
In 1979, Riley's coaching journey began when he joined the Lakers' staff as an assistant coach under Jack McKinney. Fate intervened early in the season when McKinney was seriously injured in a bicycle accident. Paul Westhead took over as interim head coach, with Riley as his assistant. This duo, along with the transcendent talent of rookie Magic Johnson and the established greatness of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, led the Lakers to the 1980 NBA championship.