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LeBron James’ career is coming to an end, and the media is debating whether he deserves a statue in Los Angeles.
On his podcast, former NBA all-star Gilbert Arenas argued that LeBron will likely get three statues after he retires, including one in Los Angeles.
“LeBron James will have a statue at Staples [now Crypto.com Arena] because you’re not gonna have the No. 1 scorer in NBA history not there.”
“Cleveland’s gonna give him one no matter what,” Arenas added. “He can possibly be three. 100 percent sure he will have two because there’s no way Los Angeles doesn’t have him with the name.”
Former Lakers legend Byron Scott disagrees with Arenas’ take.
TMZ caught up with Scott, who believes LeBron doesn’t deserve a statue in Los Angeles after winning only one championship with the team.
“No, no statue. One championship in six, seven years — I don’t know how many years he’s been in LA right now, but 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 lifers, these are long lifers.”
“They’ve been with the Lakers for almost their entire career, and they’ve had multiple championships. I think the only one that didn’t is probably Jerry West. But other than that — Jerry West spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers, and he’s the logo for a reason. So, right now at this particular point — and I’m a big LeBron James fan for what he’s been able to do on and off the court — but statue? No.”
Scott received immediate backlash on social media from LeBron fans.
don’t nobody care what Byron Scott and those weak ass mustache whiskers talking bout 😂😂
— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) September 22, 2025
Considering the Lakers’ numerous championship titles, it’s unlikely that LeBron will receive a team statue unless he brings another championship in LA.