LeBron James Does Not Deserve Statue in Los Angeles, Says 3-Time Lakers’ Champion

LeBron James has racked up one NBA championship and a myriad of personal accolades during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James Does Not Deserve Statue in Los Angeles, Says 3-Time Lakers’ Champion

Byron Scott and LeBron James (Image via FirstSportz)

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LeBron James is about to start his 8th season with the Los Angeles Lakers. In that time, he led the franchise to its 17th NBA title, and has since been trying to win more.

Even though the organization has fallen short in pursuit of that target, the 40-year-old has gone on to garner a lot of individual accomplishments. Those accolades have made him rise to become one of the 2 greatest basketball players of all time.

Now that he has Luka Doncic beside him, there is hope that they will fight for a championship this upcoming season. Even if he does not manage to win his 5th ring wearing purple and gold, he will most likely retire as a Laker.

In his stops in Miami and Cleveland, he has elevated both franchises, bringing them 2 titles to the Heat and bringing the only one for his hometown Cavaliers. Those wins have many believing he deserves statues at all those organizations. But one former Lakers star does not believe James deserves one outside Crypto.com Arena.

No, no statue. One championship in six, seven years, I don’t know how many years he’s been in L.A. 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 the Crypto.com Arena, these are long lifers.

Byron Scott said to TMZ Sports

This was Byron Scott, who won 3 titles with the Los Angeles Lakers and was also their head coach for a brief period. He believes those who have won multiple titles, and have been with the franchise for most of their career’s deserve a statue.

15-year NBA veteran does not appreciate LeBron James’ lack of accountability

Byron Scott did mention that LeBron James might get a statue if he wins another ring. He also reiterated that he loves the 4-time champion and appreciates whatever he has accomplished. But another NBA veteran did not have such kind words when speaking on Scott’s podcast.

NBA veteran does not like LeBron James deflecting blame
NBA veteran does not like LeBron James deflecting blame (Image via Xhoops/X)

The one thing I’ve always hated about LeBron… it’s like, when they win, it’s all him. When they lose, it’s all them. I’ve always hated that narrative. We could have spoken more to his greatness if one day he had said, ‘That’s on me.’ Just one time, ‘That’s on me.’

Olden Polynice said on Bryon Scott’s Fast Break

The former center did add that he was a fan of the 4-time league MVP, and agreed he is one of the greatest of all time. However, he preferred that James take accountability whenever his team(s) lost. Considering how he has been off late, that narrative does hold water, as the Akron native has generally deflected blame to teammates, coaching, or the front office.

He used to take accountability, especially when he was in his 2nd stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. But now it seems the frustration of losing out on chances has led the 6′ 9″ point forward to this end.

LeBron James’ agent does not want media to think about his future

No matter what the narratives surrounding LeBron James are, what concerns fans and members of the media is how much longer he will continue to play in the NBA. The superstar is 23 seasons into the league, and despite his conditioning, has endured significant mileage on his body. ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed what James’ agent feels about these discussions.

I did speak to his agent, Rich Paul, and he told me, ‘It’s important not to worry about the future when it comes to LeBron James. Just appreciate the present.’

Shams Charania revealed on NBA Today

The NBA Insider also added that James is probably going to decide on his retirement around what his younger son, Bryce James‘ prospects look like after next season.

That means if the Lakers’ superstar believes he and his older son, Bronny James, can play alongside or against the younger James, there is a chance he could stretch his career into the 2026-27 season.

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