NBA Legend’s Controversial LeBron James Statement

Does LeBron James deserve a statue in Los Angeles?

It seems like a week hasn't gone by without Gilbert Arenas making a controversial statement. One of his more recent ones from last week is about none other than LeBron James - but is this one actually controversial?

During an episode of Nightcap with Shannon Sharpe, Gilbert Arenas claimed that LeBron James isn't a true Lakers icon and that James is just a rental.

"LeBron was a rental for the Lakers' greatness, and that's just something he's gonna have to accept," Arenas said. "His milestones came in this uniform... but the legacy wasn't built here."

LeBron never had a chance vs. Kobe in Lakers Nation @ShannonSharpe @GilsArenaShow pic.twitter.com/pjR9dMDaso

— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) March 7, 2024

For as controversial as Arenas typically is, the former Grizzlies guard isn't 100% wrong in this instance. LeBron James already had three NBA Championships before coming to the Lakers and was already 34 years old by the time he arrived in LA. His legacy was so cemented, that Arenas doubled down and said that James shouldn't receive a statue in LA - despite bringing a championship.

"LeBron's Laker résumé doesn't have a statue here," Arenas said. "LeBron James, the name—f--k yeah, has a statue."

Typically, if any player brings a franchise a championship they'll receive a statue or some kind of jersey retirement. LeBron's case has an extra layer of complexity because of the fact that it was during the bubble and LA never received a parade for it. His championship with the Lakers will always have a weird feeling next to it because of that fact. Still, a championship is a championship.

If LeBron wins another championship with the Lakers though, he absolutely deserves a statue.

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