“You’re not gonna think about him as you would with some of the other Laker greats like Kobe, Magic, West ” - NBA insider cites lack of championships as reason LeBron James will not be revered in LA

Unless the LA Lakers can somehow get Bronny James during the 2024 NBA Draft, LeBron James' stint in Hollywood could end in two years. If he fails to deliver at least one more championship, he won’t be remembered in the same way as other legendary Laker greats, according to NBA.com writer Mark Medina.

On "The Odd Couple" podcast, NBA.com writer Mark Medina shared his thoughts on what James’ legacy could be for the Lakers:

“LeBron James is never gonna be viewed as the same Laker icon like a Magic Johnson, a Kobe Bryant, a Jerry West, a Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He never won multiple championships, and he was never with that franchise for most of his career.

“When we’re looking at the Laker luminaries that won championships, he’s gonna be viewed the same as Wilt Chamberlain. Here’s a guy who’s obviously had a Hall of Fame resume. He won a title, here but you’re not gonna think about him as you would with some of the other Laker greats like Kobe, Magic, West, Shaquille O’Neal.”

If LeBron James sees out his contract before joining his son somewhere else, he would have spent six seasons in Hollywood. And unless he wins another title, his career with the LA Lakers will be eerily similar to that of Wilt Chamberlain.

The legendary big man also had a six-year stint with the purple and gold franchise, although he sat out the final year of his contract. Like “King James,” the “Big Dipper” also helped the Lakers to a single championship.

Mark Medina, however, emphasized that LA Lakers fans will still remember LeBron James with fondness. LA had a 10-year title drought before the 18x All-Star and Anthony Davis led the team to its 17th NBA championship in 2020.

Over the next two years, improving his status on the totem pole of Laker greats could be an exercise in futility. The roster that the Lakers will roll out next season could lack outside shooting. They are also one Anthony Davis injury away from possibly another wasted season.

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LeBron James’ street cred goes up as he plays in The CrawsOver Pro-Am League

LeBron James' The CrawsOver game didn't last very long due to court condensation.

LeBron James took his talents to Seattle to play in Jamal Crawford’s pro-am tournament. The crowd was wowed by the LA Lakers superstar's presence. The venue, which can only accommodate 2,650 people, was packed with fans who had their eyes glued on the four-time MVP.

“King James” didn’t disappoint. He showed off highlight reel dunks and a repertoire of moves that had fans egging him on. This is the second time the four-time champ has played in a pro-am game in the offseason. He previously joined DeMar DeRozan in the Drew League.

Seattle fans, however, felt frustrated as The CrawsOver game was eventually called off. The LA Lakers forward didn’t appear again after the second quarter as there was condensation on the court.

No one wants James to risk an injury, particularly in a pro-am game in the offseason.