Does LeBron James Deserve a Statue in LA?

Rewritten was the colorful history of the Los Angeles Lakers. Another glassware added to their already prestigious collection. Las Vegas experienced LeBron James and the Lakers lift the inaugural In-Season Tournament. They put out the Indiana Pacers’ gorgeous fire and handed them a first upset.

This was the second trophy James earned as a Laker. It was exemplified by his In-Season MVP conquest. Even two decades later, no bounds seem to apply to this King. He has defied any odds set on his prolonged career. The Kid From Akron is genuinely in his fourth prime, a feat no one has been able to replicate.

It’s so rare to have four separate careers all of which you can make a HOF case for. Even in his Lakers tenure, after the latest victory we can make a case – does he deserve a place among the statues of greats?

LeBron James – a Laker legend?

The Lakers have been home to basketball excellence. The list of legends goes back to the Jerry West era. Moreover, since the Buss family came into power, LA has become the hub. From Magic and Kareem to Kobe and Shaq, the Lakers legends have all left a mark visible in the banners above the arena.

After the 2020 championship in Orlando, conversations began about James being among the pantheon of Laker greats. However, at that point, the common argument was – is one enough? And to be frank, it wasn’t.

To be among Laker history, you need to be celebrated as a Purple and Gold. It can’t be one-and-done when players before won multiple. Even with a three-peat, Shaquille O’Neal might not be on that Mt.Rushmore. When it comes to the Lakers, one can’t expect to be in such prestigious company after a single title. It’s unfair maybe, but that’s what comes with being a part of such a storied franchise.

LeBron James has added to a Laker resume

Since the championship in 2020, King James has done a lot as a Laker. He has achieved his career’s peak accomplishment in that shirt. I am referring to James’ infamous moment of passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a fellow Laker legend. Since then he has also become the player with the most minutes in NBA history.

In terms of magnitude, James achieved his most monumental personal achievements wearing a Laker uniform. Add on top a historic In-Season tournament win now. At the age of 38, pulling out one of his best shooting stretches, he led the side to a perfect 7-0 record in those games. In the final, he played a near-perfect supporting role to Anthony Davis’ monstrous 41-point night. It might not be an NBA championship, but James’ words dodged justice to the achievement.

“First In-Season Tournament belongs to the Los Angeles Lakers. That will never, ever be topped. Ever.” he said.

The firsts always occupy a special place in the books of history. Regardless of the winners to follow, the Lakers anchored by LeBron James will always remain the first to win.

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But is that enough for a statue?

A statue could very well come for the King

The honor of a statue in LA is reserved for very few. Only six people have a memory of them outside the iconic Lakers arena. The latest entrant will be Kobe Bryant, a dedicated professional who spent his entire career with the franchise. It’s these feats of loyalty clubbed with success that make one worthy of a forever mark.

If we look at James’ LA run, he has it all. He is in his sixth season with the Lakers, with a player option for the next season. For achievements, he has an NBA title, an In-Season title, IST MVP, and a Finals MVP. The seasoned forward has also earned other credentials. Judging from his current pace alone, he is likely to have another season with over 20 points. In totality, James has the complete package – loyalty, success, and consistency. Then he has the peak highlights of his career wearing the Laker uniform. All the above-mentioned parameters seem worthy of a statue.

The word is quickly spreading too. James Worthy, a former champion with the Lakers feels the four-time MVP could have statues in Los Angeles and Cleveland.

Shaquille O’Neal, a proud recipient of the honor said LeBron will surely make the hall.

“So, LeBron has one, as a Laker. He broke the [scoring] record as a Laker. Would I oppose him having a statue? I would not. If they wanna give him a statue, I’d be fine with that. Great player, great for the league. And he did what he was supposed to do as a Laker’” the Big Diesel told Brandon Robinson.

So even when the legends of the franchise feel he has done enough, it shouldn’t be an argument. James has had moments with the Lakers that might never be emulated. He has won them a championship, restored the pride and continues to excel even at 38.

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There is no doubt. LeBron James should have a trophy when he retires.