(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers have been home to several of the greatest players in the history of the NBA, including six of the top-10 leading scorers of all-time and the top four on that list.
LeBron James is the latest legend and potential Mt. Rushmore member to wear the purple and gold, and he did win a championship in Los Angeles.
However, unlike other stars, James made it to the Lakers in the backend of his prime, and they missed the playoffs twice since he arrived in Southern California — albeit not because of him.
That’s why there’s an ongoing debate about whether James should have a statue and/or his jersey retired by the Lakers once he retires.
Notably, former NFL player James Jones believes this shouldn’t even be a debate, as he considers James to be the second-best player of all time, so he should have a statue for every team he played for.
Should LeBron James get a statue in LA?
“He’s the 2nd greatest player to ever play this game! Yes, he should get a statue everywhere he’s played.” — @89JonesNTAF pic.twitter.com/2JhsSgEmay
— The Carton Show (@TheCartonShow) June 15, 2023
Unsurprisingly, Miami Heat legend Tim Hardaway Sr. disagreed with that statement, citing that the Heat already had a championship before James arrived.
Even some Lakers fans have put an asterisk next to LeBron’s championship with the team because of the bubble.
And while that’s not up for debate here, James’ tenure in Los Angeles has been mostly a failure.
It’s the Lakers we’re talking about, and winning just one ring shouldn’t be enough to get a statue unless you’re Jerry West.
James hasn’t been in Los Angeles long enough to be considered a Lakers legend.
He’s one of the greatest players ever, if not the greatest.
But he should be judged by his contributions to the team alone.
Even so, the Lakers are Hollywood’s team, so they’ll more than likely that retire his jersey for PR, even if he doesn’t win another ring there.
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