The pinnacle of Riley's playing career came in 1972 when the Lakers won the NBA championship, defeating the New York Knicks in five games. This experience of being part of a championship team would later inform Riley's coaching philosophy and his understanding of what it takes to build a winning culture.
Riley's playing career also included stints with the Phoenix suns and again with the Lakers before he retired in 1976. While he was never a superstar player, Riley's intelligence, work ethic, and understanding of team dynamics made him a valuable contributor throughout his nine-year NBA career. These qualities, honed during his playing days, would serve as the foundation for his future success as a coach and executive.