When LeBron James departed the Cleveland Cavaliers for a second time, the objective was clear: emulate Kobe Bryant and cement his legacy as a Los Angeles Lakers icon. Eight seasons later, that specific ambition remains largely unfulfilled in the eyes of the franchise’s faithful.
James’ Lakers Tenure: One Title, Zero Finals Returns
James delivered the franchise’s 17th championship in 2020, capturing the Larry O’Brien Trophy inside the Orlando bubble. However, the Lakers failed to reach the NBA Finals during his other seven campaigns in purple and gold. For a fanbase accustomed to sustained excellence, that singular ring places James in a different tier than the franchise’s immortal figures.
Phil Jackson Immortalized with Crypto.com Arena Statue
With the James era in the rearview mirror, the organization is pivoting to honor a architect of its most dominant dynasties. The Lakers announced that a statue of Phil Jackson will be unveiled on April 9, 2027, outside Crypto.com Arena.
A Resume Built on Rings
Jackson’s credentials are arguably unmatched in league history. Before arriving in Los Angeles, he secured six championships with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Upon taking the Lakers helm, he immediately orchestrated a three-peat (2000–2002). After guiding the team to two Finals losses in the mid-2000s, he returned to the summit with back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010, bringing his Lakers total to five and his career total to eleven.
Statue Prospects: Jackson vs. James
The disparity in hardware makes the franchise’s direction logical. It is widely considered unlikely that James will receive a statue on the Star Plaza, a distinction typically reserved for figures who defined multi-title eras. Nevertheless, his eight-year chapter—marked by the 2020 title, historic scoring milestones, and global relevance—represents a significant, if complicated, volume in Lakers history.
