NBA Legend Byron Scott Says LeBron James Hasn’t Earned a Lakers Statue Yet

Byron Scott has been part of Lakers history long enough to know what defines a franchise icon.

The three-time champion recently shared his thoughts on LeBron James and whether the four-time MVP has earned the right to join the legends immortalized outside Crypto.com Arena.

Speaking to TMZ at KiKi Shepard’s 7th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic in Los Angeles, he explained that James still has work to do if he hopes to be honored with a statue.

“I think if he gets another one [championship], then he has a chance,” Scott said. “But right now, if you look at the players that have statues in front of Crypto.com [Arena], these are long lifers. They’ve been with the Lakers for almost their entire career, and they’ve had multiple championships.”

Outside the arena, the statues represent players whose names are synonymous with the Lakers brand.

Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaquille O’Neal are among those who defined eras, delivered titles, and spent much of their careers in purple and gold.

James, on the other hand, has only one championship with the Lakers and far fewer years in Los Angeles compared to those legends.

Scott was careful to point out that he holds James in high regard. His remarks were not a dismissal of LeBron’s greatness but a reminder that the team reserves its highest honor for players whose legacies are deeply tied to the franchise itself.

The conversation eventually shifted to the upcoming season, and Scott sounded optimistic about the team’s chances. He praised the commitment he sees from the roster and especially from its two biggest stars.

“He looks like he’s 110% committed to the Lakers organization this year,” Scott said. “When you’ve got two of the best players in the game on the same team, and both of them are committed, it’s gonna be a wonderful season.”

James will turn 41 this season, a milestone that highlights the limited time he may have on the court. Even so, there is still an opportunity for him to claim a fifth NBA title.

Should James secure another ring in Los Angeles, the narrative could change dramatically. A second title with the Lakers might push his legacy closer to the level of those who already stand in bronze outside the arena.