“From high atop the western sideline here at the Fabulous Forum, I’m Chick Hearn, bringing you a words-eye view of tonight’s Los Angeles Lakers’ action.” That style inspired many names wearing headsets today. The man who was front and center during some of the most glorious moments in Lakers history was memorialized in that same spot 14 years ago. Chick Hearn could be considered the Magic Johnson of broadcasters. The legendary announcer broadcast – wait for it – 3,338 consecutive Lakers games from November 21, 1965 to December 16, 2001. On April 20, 2010, the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled Chick Hearn’s statue outside the Staples Center.

The monumental moment was revisited in Backstage Lakers this week celebrating the icon’s legacy. Francis “Chick” Hearn had passed away on August 5, 2002. It was his wife, Marge Jeffers, who was present with other Lakers players for the 2010 unveiling. His widow was also responsible for a cute lighthearted moment on the special day.

The 5000lb, 16′ bronze and steel sculpture’s highlight is the chair by the Chick’s likeness. It’s so fans could get the feel of sitting next to the NBA and American Sportscaster Hall of Fame member. Marge had dibs on the first honor.

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She was cheeky when she elbowed the statue. It continued when she was asked what she thought Chick would say if he saw her right now. “He’d probably say, ‘Marge, get back to your seat and let the pros talk.'” With that humor, Marge Hearn deserved a mic.

Chick and Marge were married for almost 64 years and for four decades of those, she saw him do his job at Staples Center phenomenally. When the statue was commissioned, she was so moved, she said, “This is the best thing that can happen to someone in their whole life. How many people get a statue?” Before Hearn, three others could boast that honor.

Sitting next to a pro

Franchise personalities stated that dedicating a statue to the announcer was a “no brainer” on Backstage Lakers. And the ceremony for it was lived up to Hearn’s colorful broadcasting style.

It was open for all fans to gather at Star Plaza in Staples Center, west of Figueroa Street & Chick Hearn Court intersection. Fans could sit beside Chick’s statue created by Julie Rotblatt Amrany and take photos. The renowned sculptor, Amrany is the artist behind Magic Johnson and Wayne Gretzky’s famed statues there too. Boxing icon, Oscar De La Hoya had a statue on Staple Center’s Walk of Fame before Hearn as well.

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Hearn is credited for popularizing the Lakers as much as the ones in purple and gold jerseys like Jerry West whose statue was installed in 2011. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s statue was added the following year. Shaquille O’Neal and Elgin Baylor’s statues were installed in 2017 and 2018 respectively. On February 8, 2024, Kobe Bryant will be immortalized along with Chick&Co. That’s some company to be in.

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