LeBron James remains in conversations about immortalizing his legacy due to his legendary career. NBA veteran Mark Jackson felt James deserved much more because of his contributions.
Former NBA coach Jackson took on fan questions on his podcast, The Mark Jackson Show. One fan asked Jackson if LeBron James deserved to have statues in Cleveland, Miami, and Los Angeles. Jackson answered this:
I say yes. Clearly in Cleveland, not just the statue. Name the building after him..... He's making history every time he's scoring a basket in a Lakers uniform, by being the all-time leading scorer. He's adding to that. I believe he deserves a statue in all three places. Mark Jackson via The Mark Jackson Show
Jackson added that James’ accomplishments and impact on all three teams are beyond explanation. This made him deserve statues from all three teams. There is no doubt about his impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Jackson added that James helped assert the Miami Heat as one of the best teams in the league. Now that Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem have received their statues, Jackson wanted James to receive one as well.
Jackson said one should not compare the 4-time MVP to former Los Angeles Lakers greats. Rather, a statue would indicate his accomplishments day in and day out wearing the Purple and Gold. He delivered the 17th title in Lakers history when nobody expected him to bring one.
LeBron James is creating a legacy with the Los Angeles Lakers
In his career before joining the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James created a lasting legacy with both his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat. But coming to the most storied franchise in the NBA, fans expected James to have his retirement party rather than do something worth being recorded in the history books.
James defied the odds, especially his age, to bring an NBA title in his second year with the team. Since then, the Lakers have remained championship contenders every year. Even at 39 years old, fans continue to witness elite basketball from ‘King James.’ Breaking and setting new records with every basket in the Lakers jersey has only heightened his impact on the team.
For these reasons, Mark Jackson thought LeBron James deserved a statue outside the Lakers arena. His impact is enough to be immortalized by Los Angeles, Miami, and Cleveland once he retires.
More must-reads: