Lakers Divided Over Potential LeBron James Statue at Crypto.com Arena
Mitch Kupchak expressed support for a LeBron James statue outside Crypto.com Arena, while Byron Scott opposed the idea citing James' single championship with the Lakers. The debate highlights differing views on legacy among former Lakers players and executives.
nypost.comcom Arena in Los Angeles. Kupchak spoke exclusively to The California Post and also mentioned that former Lakers players James Worthy and Michael Cooper deserve statues as well. " Byron Scott, a former Lakers player, dismissed the idea of a statue for James.
Speaking to TMZ, Scott cited James' lone championship with the Lakers in 2020, which was won inside the Orlando bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic. com, these are long lifers. com Arena honor Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant, all players with extensive tenures and multiple championships with the Lakers.
The debate over a LeBron James statue comes amid his ongoing career, including recent performances such as a dunk against the Houston Rockets on March 18, 2026, and a smiling appearance during a game against the Utah Jazz on April 12, 2026, at the arena.
Kupchak spoke to reporters at the Lakers' team headquarters in El Segundo, California, on April 15, 2016, providing his views on the matter. The differing opinions reflect ongoing discussions about how to honor players' legacies in the franchise's history.
Story Timeline
5 events- 2026-04-15
Mitch Kupchak spoke to reporters at Lakers headquarters in El Segundo, California.
1 sourceAP - 2026-04-12
LeBron James smiled during the game against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena.
1 sourceNBAE via Getty Images - 2026-03-18
LeBron James went up for a dunk against the Houston Rockets in Houston.
1 sourceAP - 2026-04
Byron Scott told TMZ that LeBron James does not deserve a statue due to his single championship and shorter tenure.
1 sourceNew York Post - 2026-04
Mitch Kupchak said LeBron James deserves a statue and mentioned other players Worthy and Cooper.
1 sourceNew York Post
Potential Impact
- 01
Fan and media discussions about LeBron James' legacy with the Lakers could intensify.
- 02
The debate may influence future decisions on honoring current and former Lakers players with statues.
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