Los Angeles Lakers luminary LeBron James is the only one player who ranks top-10 in scoring for three different franchises.
He remains the Cleveland Cavaliers’ all-time leading scorer with 23,119 points. His college-like four-year stint with the Miami Heat left him fourth in franchise history with 7,919 points. However, James has slid down to fifth, as Heat franchise cornerstone Bam Adebayo has scored 8,367 points in his eight-year career. This week, the 40-year-old passed Hall of Fame forward Jamaal Wilkes for 10th-place in Lakers history, as he’s now scored 10,603 points for the iconic franchise.
LeBron James Has Cemented His Lakers Statue
For those who are mentally immersed in the NBA’s GOAT debate, James’s latest accomplishment is another feather in his cap.
In a way, it’s similar to Hall of Fame shooting guard Michael Jordan going 6-0 in the NBA Finals. Jordan’s sparkling record isn’t impossible to match but exceedingly difficult to match. One could say the same about James’s latest statistical record.
With that in mind, the discourse about the greatest player of all-time is pretty subjective. Who’s to say that being a statistical anomaly like James is better than being an unbeaten six-time NBA champion? Who’s to say that Jordan’s excellence outweighs Hall of Fame center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s?
Numbers Don’t Lie
Objectively, James has already been immortalized. A larger-than-life living legend, his success, style, and longevity have cemented him as a basketball icon. One whose greatness will likely lead to him having at least one statue built in his honor.
In 2018, fans started a GoFundMe hoping to raise the capital for a statue of James in Akron. In 2023, Cleveland mayor Justin M. Bibb tweeted that it’s time to start thinking about erecting one for him in front of the Cavs arena.
I think it’s time to start planning for the @KingJames statue in front of @RMFieldHouse. Congrats to the
on passing Kareem’s record. #WitnessGreatness https://t.co/zrwT1f5iCG
— Justin M. Bibb (@JustinMBibb) February 8, 2023
Due to Heat president Pat Riley’s preoccupation with ‘Heat Lifers,’ James may not get one in Miami. Yes, he won two championships with the Heat in what was their most acclaimed era. However, his Miami tenure was relatively short and the ending more bitter than sweet.
That being said, James has played nearly twice as many seasons with the Lakers. Indeed, he’s now in his seventh tour with the illustrious organization. Given that Hall of Fame center Shaquille O’Neal played eight seasons with L.A. and has a statue in front of Staples Center, James has been committed to them long enough for his own.
Of course, O’Neal won three rings in his Lakers career whereas James has won one. He also ranks seventh in franchise history in points (13,895), sixth in rebounds (6,090), and second in blocks (1,278). However, James isn’t just top-10 in Lakers history in points. He ranks second in triple-doubles (49), second in three-pointers (901), and eighth in assists (3,232).
If counting Wilkes, there were four scorers who were top-10 in Lakers’ history who didn’t receive statues. Yet, none of them had at least 10 All-Star selections. Meanwhile, James is about to make his 21st consecutive All-Star appearance.
All But Guaranteed?
James getting a statue from the Lakers isn’t quite a foregone conclusion. To that point, winning another championship before he retires might seal the deal. Nevertheless, his numbers alone speak to the likelihood that him getting a statue is set in stone.
Considering his all-time status and relationship with Lakers controlling owner Jeanie Buss, it’s even more likely.
© Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
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