Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

'No Statue' – Los Angeles Lakers Legend Believes LeBron James Hasn’t Earned the Right to Have a Statue

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 8:44 AM ET

LeBron James is about to enter his eighth year with the Los Angeles Lakers , which will be longer than his two separate runs with the Cleveland Cavaliers and one four-year stint with the Miami Heat.

The four-time NBA MVP has been an influential figure for the Los Angeles Lakers since joining the team in the summer of 2018, including winning the franchise’s 17th banner in 2020. However, former NBA star Byron Scott said that James needs to do more to deserve consideration for having a statue outside of 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. right now, but I think if he gets another one, then he has a chance,” Scott told TMZ Sports.

LeBron James Honors Saquon Barkley With Stunning New Cleat Design 1 Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

“But right now, if you look at the players that have statues in front of the Crypto.com, these are long lifers. They’ve been with the Lakers for almost their entire career, and they’ve had multiple championships,” he added.

Los Angeles Lakers News: Rich Paul sends LeBron James message to fans, per insider

ESPN insider Shams Charania recently shared Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul’s take on the matter of LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Mar 31, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

“I did speak to his agent, Rich Paul, at Klutch Sports today,” Charania said on NBA Today. “And he told me, ‘It’s important not to worry about the future when it comes to LeBron James. Just appreciate the present and also maximizing his present.’ And that onus potentially falling on the Lakers and what team they put around him.”

“But it’s obvious, how does he feel about the Lakers going into the season? As the year continues on, can they be a contender moving forward? And I think the other thing that also sits here as well is Bryce James is going to start his freshman year at college. How does he look? How does he look as a prospect? How does he play into the 2026 NBA Draft?” he added.