LeBron James' legacy has already been cemented as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The Akron, Ohio native is entering his 23rd season and has put together a resume that few, if any, can compare to.
James’ career can be divided into four stints with three teams, and each of these windows could be considered Hall of Fame worthy. This includes LeBron’s seven years in the “City of Angels”.
With the Los Angeles Lakers, the do-it-all small forward has seven All-Star appearances, made seven All-NBA teams, and won a championship and NBA Finals MVP. In addition, James broke the league’s all-time scoring record while donning the purple and gold.
Los Angeles certainly hasn’t necessarily seen the peak version of the basketball icon. Still, these accolades are usually enough for any player to get a statue outside a franchise’s home arena.
However, Byron Scott, in an interview with TMZ, believes that James has not yet earned a statue in Star Plaza.
The three-time champion and former head coach of the Lakers made it clear what James needs to accomplish to receive this honor.
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"I think if he gets another one, then he has a chance. But right now, if you look at the players that have statues in front of Crypto.com [Arena], these are long lifers.
They've been with the Lakers for almost their entire career, and they've had multiple championships. I think the only one who didn't is probably Jerry West."
Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, and Shaquille O’Neal have statues outside of Crypto.com Arena alongside legendary broadcaster Chick Hearn.
Pat Riley and Phil Jackson are also set to get this recognition in the coming years. But there are numerous Lakers legends, such as Wilt Chamberlain, James Worthy, Michael Cooper, and Pau Gasol, who will likely never have statues at this location.
Overall, it’s a tall task even for LeBron James to receive this honor, but Scott is probably right that the 40-year-old is one championship away from accomplishing this feat.
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