Many think it is a no-brainer, but many say that LeBron hasn’t done enough… this is what Stephen A is saying
LeBron James’ future was a hot topic throughout the last NBA season, after uncertainty surrounding his continued tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. Speculation ran high as many believed that the superstar might be on the brink of seeking a new challenge, considering the latter stage of his illustrious career.
Fans and analysts alike debated whether it was time for LeBron to move on from the Lakers and explore new opportunities elsewhere. But the ‘King’ decided to stay.
Ultimately, LeBron James signed a new contract, setting the stage for him to fulfill his dream of playing alongside his son, Bronny, who was drafted in the second round by the Lakers.
With this milestone achieved, a fresh debate has emerged in the NBA media: has LeBron done enough to merit having his jersey retired by the Lakers when he eventually hangs up his sneakers?
Should LeBron’s jersey be retired by the Los Angeles Lakers, Stepehn A’s take?
In the latest episode of the Stephen A. Smith Show, the host addressed whether LeBron James should have his jersey retired by the Lakers.
“He doesn’t get his jersey retired in LA. It’s the Lakers. You just got one championship? One? One?! Look, in the Bubble, it’s hard. He deserves a lot of credit for it, but I don’t think you get your jersey retired because of that.”
“LeBron is LeBron. He’s big time. Became the all-time leading scorer in NBA history wearing the Lakers uniform. You could make the case for that. He’s a champion in the Lakers uniform, you can make a case for that,” Smith said.
“But when you consider the greatness of the Los Angeles Lakers; Magic Johnson – 5 rings, Kobe Bryant – 5 rings, Shaquille O’Neal – 4 rings, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar –
when you see that stuff, the late great Jerry West, even though he only had one ring, but obviously he was the silhouette. You could retire LeBron James’ jersey. I can’t rule it out, but if you didn’t, I don’t think anybody would sneeze at that. [But] You got to retire his jersey in Miami and you got to retire it, definitely, in Cleveland.”
