On March 5, Beijing time, former NBA star Arenas published his unique insights on Lakers star James on a podcast. He believes that the 39-year-old basketball superstar, despite playing for the Lakers for six seasons, is not yet worthy of a statue in Los Angeles with his current accolades.
In Arenas's view, James' accumulation of honor has not yet reached the standard of a statue. "If his career stops so far, it's not enough," Arenas said, "and he hasn't won enough accolades if he wears a Lakers jersey." He further explained that a legendary player like O'Neal has won three championship rings in his eight-year career, which is enough to build a statue.
Arenas' words are not unfounded, after all, the Lakers have historically erected statues for the likes of Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O'Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Kobe Bryant, and announcer Cheek Hearn. These characters are all legends of the Lakers, and their accolades and contributions are undoubtedly remarkable.
However, it is indeed a question worth pondering as to whether James deserves a statue with the Lakers. Although James has achieved a lot of achievements in his career with the Lakers, including honors such as a championship and six All-Stars, his accumulation of honors is indeed lacking compared to the legends in Lakers history.
Of course, that doesn't mean James' accomplishments aren't enough to be remembered. After all, he's an alliance supergiant, and his influence and contributions are impossible to ignore. But whether it's worth having a statue with the Lakers will perhaps take more time and honor to tell.
In conclusion, everyone has a different opinion on the question of whether James is worth having a statue in the Lakers. But no matter what, we should respect the achievements and contributions of the basketball superstar and look forward to him continuing to do so in his future career.