In a recent “Podcast P” interview featuring LA Clippers forward Paul George, rapper Vince Staples shared an intriguing perspective on the topic of statues and LeBron James.
While LeBron James is undeniably recognized as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Staples doesn’t foresee the four-time NBA champion receiving a statue from the Los Angeles Lakers, unlike Kobe Bryant.
“He [LeBron James] ain’t getting no statue in LA,” Staples asserted. “He got to get a statue in like Cleveland and like the NBA headquarters, Miami … like NBA headquarters, you got to just put him on top of the building. I rock with Bron, it’s just that Lakers fans are haters. It’s never going to happen.”
Staples acknowledged the possibility of statues honoring LeBron James in Cleveland, Miami, and even at the NBA headquarters, but not alongside the iconic LA Lakers statues. Given the high standards set by the Lakers’ fanbase for their players, Staples doesn’t anticipate them extending that level of reverence to the 20-time NBA All-Star.
While pleasing basketball fans is paramount, the decision to erect a statue as a gesture of respect and admiration is nuanced, as not every player will receive such recognition and honor.
Fans often engage in comparing players who have represented their favorite team, juxtaposing their achievements with the franchise against one another. In the hypothetical scenario where fans evaluate James’ Lakers legacy alongside other Lakers greats, he may not receive the same level of recognition.
