Luc Robitaille to be seventh L.A. sports icon honored with statue

Hockey Hall of Famer left wing Luc Robitaille of the Kings will become the seventh Los Angeles sports icon to be honored with a statue in Star Plaza at Staples Center.

Robitaille will have his statue unveiled on March 7 before a Kings-Pittsburgh game as part of next season’s Kings Legends Night Series. Robitaille joined the Kings in 1986 and scored more than 40 goals in each of his first eight seasons, including three 50-or-more goal seasons, and a career-high 63 in 1992-93. Robitaille was selected to eight all-star teams, set the NHL record for goals (668) and points (1,394) by a left winger, and holds the Kings’ franchise record for goals (577).

Barry Melrose, the Kings’ head coach from 1992-95, and Tony Granato, who played in 380 games for the Kings and recorded 305 points, also will be given tributes as part of the Legends Night Series. Melrose will be honored on Feb. 12 before a Kings-Calgary game and Granato on Feb. 24 before a Kings-Detroit game.

The Kings will wear vintage jerseys on these nights, the only time the sweaters will be worn during the season. Fans in attendance will receive commemorative posters.

Robitaille will be the second hockey player honored with a statue, joining Wayne Gretzky.

The other five statues include Lakers Jerry West, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Laker announcer Chick Hearn and boxer Oscar De La Hoya.