Channing Frye Says LeBron James Will Not Get Lakers Statue — James Basketball
Channing Frye said LeBron James will not get a statue outside Crypto.com Arena if he retires this offseason, and james basketball now has another sharp verdict to chew on. Frye did not argue that James lacks the résumé. He said Lakers fans do not accept him.
Frye’s Statue Verdict
When asked whether James would get that honor in Los Angeles, Frye answered, “No,” then added, “I’m not saying he shouldn’t deserve one. I’m saying he’s not gonna get one.” He followed that with the blunt line, “They don’t accept him.”
Frye framed the issue as a fan reaction, not a counting-stat debate. He said, “Lakers fans don’t accept him,” even though James has spent enough time in Los Angeles to build a case that would be hard to ignore on paper.
James In Los Angeles
James has been with the Lakers since the 2018-19 season, and the team reached the title in the 2019-20 campaign. He finished second in league MVP voting that season and was named Finals MVP after the Lakers beat the Miami Heat in six games.
His postseason line from that run still stands out: 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game. He has also broken countless records during his Lakers tenure and became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer while wearing the uniform. Prior to his arrival, the Lakers had not made the playoffs since the 2012-13 season.
Crypto.com Arena Debate
Several Lakers legends already have statues outside Crypto.com Arena, which is part of what keeps the argument alive whenever James’ legacy comes up. He is 41 years old now, and this offseason matters because he is an unrestricted free agent who could join another franchise if he chooses to keep playing.
James still produced in the 2025-26 playoffs, averaging 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. The Lakers advanced out of the first round against the Houston Rockets, even with Luka Doncic missing the team’s entire playoff run and Austin Reaves sidelined for the first four games.
That leaves the statue question tied to both legacy and timing. James already has a title, a Finals MVP and a run that changed the Lakers’ direction, but Frye’s view is that Los Angeles would not turn that into bronze if he walks away now.
