Channing Frye sees no statue for LeBron in LA: ‘They don’t accept him’

Former NBA player Channing Frye believes that Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James won’t receive a statue outside Crypto.com Arena if he retires this offseason.

Frye, who played with James during his NBA career, explained to another one of James’ former teammates – Kendrick Perkins – why he doesn’t believe it will happen.

“No,” Frye said when asked the question. “I’m not saying he shouldn’t deserve one. I’m saying he’s not gonna get one.”

Frye continued.

“They don’t accept him,” he said. “Lakers fans don’t accept him. He’s had better careers, just in the Lakers, than most other players. … They just don’t accept him.”

James has been with the Lakers since the 2018-19 season, and he led the team to a title in the 2019-20 campaign. The Lakers have made several playoff appearances with the four-time champion on the roster, though they’ve only won one title.

Still, James finished second in the league’s MVP voting in the 2019-20 season and was named the Finals MVP after the Lakers beat the Miami Heat in six games. He finished that postseason run averaging 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game.

This season, James helped the Lakers advance out of the first round of the playoffs against the Houston Rockets even though Luka Doncic missed the team’s entire playoff run while Austin Reaves was sidelined for the first four games.

James showed that he still has a lot left in the tank, even at age 41, averaging 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game in the playoffs in the 2025-26 season.

There are several Lakers legends that have statues outside Crypto.com Arena, and James certainly has made a profound impact during his time in Los Angeles. Not only did he help the team snap a title drought, but he has kept the team consistently in the playoff mix in the Western Conference. Prior to James’ arrival, the Lakers had not made the playoffs since the 2012-13 season.

In addition, during his tenure, he has broken countless records, including becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

This offseason, James is an unrestricted free agent and could opt to join another franchise if he chooses to continue his NBA career. However, if he stays with the Lakers, it’s likely only going to add to his legacy with the franchise.

Hopefully, the Lakers will honor James for all he’s done with the Purple and Gold whenever he decides to end his storybook career.