Matt Barnes, an ex-NBA star believes the Lakers need to consider a statue for the late Kobe Bryant before they build one for LeBron James.
The Lakers retired Bryant’s jersey numbers 8 and 24 in 2017 following his retirement in 2016.
Bryant has been honored in many ways since his death in January 2020, including murals and themed basketball courts across the world. Sculptor Dan Medina, also placed a temporary statue of Kobe and his daughter, Gigi, at the crash site on the anniversary of their death.
The NBA also renamed their All-Star Game MVP trophy in his honor.
If a statue is made for LeBron and Kobe, they will join fellow Lakers greats like Jerry West, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabba, and broadcaster Chick Hearn.
A monument at 1111 S. Figueroa Street for LeBron will be his second after his former club the Cavaliers erected one for him in Cleveland after winning the NBA Finals in 2016.
