The Los Angeles Lakers’ franchise has a storied past marked by legendary figures who have shaped basketball history. Several of these icons have been commemorated with statues outside the Crypto.com Arena, the team’s home court, and ongoing discussions center on whether current Lakers superstar LeBron James will also receive his own statue. This debate gained fresh momentum after a provocative statement attributed to former Lakers guard Derek Fisher recently surfaced online.
Reportedly, Fisher expressed that if LeBron James is honored with a statue, he deserves at least two statues himself. However, there is no verified source confirming Fisher’s comment from any public interview, podcast, or event.
“If LeBron gets a statue, I better get 2 of them,” Fisher allegedly said.
This alleged claim has sparked a variety of responses from fans, some of whom question Fisher’s impact compared to other Lakers greats.
“2 statues of him carrying Kobe’s bags?” one fan tweeted.
While Fisher may not have reached the superstar status of Kobe Bryant or LeBron James, he is notable for being the only Laker to play alongside Bryant during both the early 2000s championship runs and the 2009–2010 back-to-back title seasons. Despite this, Fisher’s role was generally supportive rather than central to the team’s success.
The talk surrounding Fisher’s remark and LeBron James’ future statue highlights the passionate, ongoing debate among Lakers fans about which players earn permanent recognition. Currently, statues outside the Crypto.com Arena honor Bryant and his daughter Gianna, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, and Elgin Baylor.
Current Lakers Player Escapes Serious Injury Following EuroBasket Incident
Meanwhile, offseason news involving another Lakers star has caught attention, though fortunately with a positive outcome. Luka Doncic, representing Slovenia, suffered a right knee contusion during a EuroBasket exhibition game when his teammate Gregor Hrovat fell onto his knee. Reports indicate that Doncic’s injury is not severe.
This development is encouraging as Doncic prepares to compete for Slovenia in the 2025 EuroBasket tournament, scheduled to begin on August 27. The absence of a serious injury suggests he will be able to participate fully when the tournament starts.
The Ongoing Legacy and Recognition Debates in Lakers History
The debate over LeBron James’ potential statue and Derek Fisher’s claim reflect the broader conversation about honoring Lakers legends. Statues serve as lasting tributes to the players who have contributed to the franchise’s rich championship history and cultural impact. With several iconic figures already honored, fans and analysts continue to weigh who merits such recognition, deepening the legacy discussions around the team’s present and past stars.
As the Lakers franchise evolves, these conversations about statues and tributes are likely to remain a significant part of the fan community’s engagement, further highlighting the impact of players like LeBron James and those who helped build the Lakers’ reputation over decades.