Matt Barnes Says LeBron Deserves Statue In L.A., But Not Before Kobe Bryant!

Ex-NBA star Matt Barnes says LeBron James has actually done enough in a Laker uniform to be permanently preserved outdoors Crypto.com Arena … but informs TMZ Sports they gotta concentrate on getting Kobe Bryant‘s statue up before they even think of it.

We consulted with Barnes weeks after James ended up being the NBA’s all-time scoring leader … and we asked if the record, plus his one NBA title in L.A., suffices to get a monolith at 1111 S. Figueroa Street.

The previous Lakers forward says he’s with it … but not before Kobe, who has yet to get the treatment because his retirement in 2016.

“S***, they gotta worry about getting that Kobe statue up first,” Barnes stated at LAX on Wednesday.

The Lakers retired both Bryant’s #8 and #24 in 2017 … but since today, no information have actually been revealed concerning his statue outside “The House That Kobe Built” — aside from the truth it will occur ultimately.

Of course, Bryant has actually been honored in lots of methods because his death in January 2020, consisting of murals and themed basketball courts throughout the world. Sculptor Dan Medina, likewise positioned a temporary statue of Kobe and his child, Gigi, at the crash website on the anniversary of their death.

The NBA likewise relabelled their All-Star Game MVP prize in his honor.

As for James, Barnes thinks a King James statue in L.A. will still occur — ’cause let’s face it, he’s “an all-time great.”

“I’m sure they’ll find a way to honor him with a statue,” Barnes stated.

If it occurs, LeBron and Kobe will sign up with fellow Lakers greats like Jerry West, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and broadcaster Chick Hearn.