The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in the NBA. With 17 championships, second only to the Boston Celtics, and more star power than any other team in the league, their history runs deep.
In the summer of 2018, the Lakers signed LeBron James, arguably the greatest player of all time. He has spent the last seven seasons in Hollywood, winning a title in 2020.
In his fairly short Lakers’ tenure, James already ranks in the top ten in both total points and assists with the franchise. Still, he has a lot of ground to cover before he can join Los Angeles’ legends.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers tosses the ball back during a 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Bryon Scott Doesn’t Think LeBron James Should Get a Statue
Only 14 players have a statue directly outside of the arena, and the Lakers, of course, have the most. Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, and George Mikan have all been immortalized outside of Crypto.com Arena.
With the exception of West, every player listed has both an MVP and a title while playing for the Lakers. James, like West, has a lone ring, although neither won MVP while playing in Hollywood. West, in addition to his 14-year playing career, served as a coach and executive for LA.
Byron Scott, who won three titles with the Lakers during his career, doesn’t think James is quite on the level as those franchise icons.
“If you look at the players that have statues in front of Crypto.com [Arena], these are long lifers,” he told TMZ. “They’ve been with the Lakers for almost their entire career, and they’ve had multiple championships.”
James Still Has Time to Earn the Lakers’ Honor
James spent a total of 11 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers and might return home before he retires. His signature moment was the 2016 Finals win over the Golden State Warriors, and it’s all but guaranteed that he will get a statue in Ohio.
Bill Russell’s jersey has been retired by every team, although no player has a statue outside of two different arenas. James will certainly get one outside of Rocket Arena, even if he retires as a Laker, and he still has time to build his case in Los Angeles. While winning MVP at 41 years old is out of the question, the addition of Luka Doncic makes the Lakers title threats, and another banner could seal the deal.
“I think if he gets another one, then he has a chance,” Scott admitted.
With two titles to his name, one as the clear-cut first option, James should be able to join a cabal of Lakers’ legends and be immortalized in bronze.
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