The basketball community came together when the Los Angeles Lakers revealed Kobe Bryant‘s statue. Since then, the event has sparked a new narrative around the possibility of LeBron James receiving a structure in the same vicinity. LeBron arrived in LA post the Kobe era in 2018, during a phase when the franchise was undergoing development and struggling. His decision to join came after exercising a player option with the Cleveland Cavaliers, proving it to be a well-calculated one.
Since then, LeBron has transformed the Lakers into a headline-generating franchise, overcoming initial challenges. Notably, he guided the team to a championship in 2020, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-affected season, making it a truly unique accomplishment. With discussions about his statue gaining prominence, a Los Angeles player and native rapper recently engaged in conversations about the likelihood of his structure ever taking place.
Vince Staples rejects the chances of LeBron James getting a statue in LA
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The conversation ignited when Staples hilariously enquired about the timeline of statues coming down during Paul George’s podcast. When co-host Jackie Long brought up LeBron James‘ Lakers tenure, Vince wasted no time in stating, “He ain’t gettin’ no statue.” In response, Paul George probed Vince further, as Long pointed out the uniqueness of the bubble championship. Vince responded, “I rock with Bron. But it’s just that Lakers fans are haters,” ultimately declaring, “It’s never gonna happen.”
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Staples, on the other hand, argued that Kobe receiving a statue automatically sets a high standard for future honorees. While he did not deny James’ deserving stature, Staples suggested that due to fan sentiments, James might end up with a statue in the NBA headquarters or with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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James has elevated his NBA teams to their modern-day peaks throughout his two-decade-long tenure. Currently, his playing days continue, and his primary focus remains on achieving another championship. Yet, one can’t help but ponder whether the Lakers arena has a spot reserved for James.
How many statues have the Lakers mounted?
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As one of the oldest franchises in NBA history, the Lakers boast a roster that echoes with names spanning diverse generations. Their prestigious list includes not only on-court legends but also off-court luminaries. While modern-day fans can readily recall players like Shaquille O’Neal (2019), Magic Johnson (2004), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2012), and Jerry West (2011), the Lakers’ hallowed grounds also feature statues honoring Elgin Baylor (2018) and Lakers announcer Chick Hearn (2010).
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