Fans are debating whether LeBron James' time with the Lakers has been a failure as the team faces playoff elimination. The discussion intensifies with the potential of Game 4 being his last game with the Lakers.
Key points
Fans are debating LeBron James' success with the Lakers.
The Lakers are on the verge of playoff elimination.
Game 4 could be LeBron's last game with the Lakers.
Support for LeBron remains strong among many fans.
Los Angeles LakersLeBron JamesNBA PlayoffsOklahoma City Thunder
Has LeBron James' tenure with the Lakers been a failure? Fans weigh in.
LOS ANGELES — Clara Massey stood behind her walker and methodically moved in front of Crypto.com Arena after trekking from her nearby apartment. She was wearing a purple Los Angeles Lakers jersey, a purple Lakers cap and sunglasses with yellow frames (or, as any self-respecting Lakers fans would point out, Lakers gold.)
“I just come down, walk around and get the good energy and give the good energy,’’ Massey told USA TODAY Sports.
That energy was mostly pro-LeBron James with the Lakers on the verge of elimination from the playoffs on Monday, May 11 and Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder potentially being James’ last with the Lakers, if not the NBA altogether.
As tipoff grew closer, the moment prompted the following question: Has James' time with the Lakers been a failure?
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) and forward LeBron James jog up the court after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets of Game 4 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 26, 2026.
Q&A
What are fans saying about LeBron James' tenure with the Lakers?
Fans are divided, with many expressing support for LeBron despite the team's struggles, especially as they face playoff elimination.
Is Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder crucial for LeBron James?
Yes, Game 4 is critical as it could be LeBron's last game with the Lakers and potentially his final NBA game.
How has LeBron James performed during his time with the Lakers?
LeBron's performance has been strong individually, but the team's playoff outcomes have led to discussions about his overall impact.
What are the implications if the Lakers are eliminated from the playoffs?
If eliminated, it raises questions about the future of the team and LeBron's role moving forward, potentially affecting team dynamics and roster decisions.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gives the ball to guard Bronny James during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets during Game 3 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Bronny James react after a play during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets of Game 3 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) sets a pick on Houston Rockets forward Jae'sean Tate (8) as Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) dribbles the ball during the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) sets a screen on Houston Rockets guard Aaron Holiday (0) as Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James takes the ball down court in the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 21, 2026.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) with son Bronny James in the first half against the Houston Rockets during Game 1 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gets a tap from guard Bronny James during a stoppage in play in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Crypto.com Arena on March 30, 2026.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) interacts with guard Luke Kennard (10) and guard Bronny James (9) before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena on March 3, 2026.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) guard Bronny James (9) and forward Rui Hachimura (28) watch game action during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 10, 2026.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) greets guard Bronny James (9) as Bronny enters the game for LeBron during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 13, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (left) and son Bronny James watch from the bench in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 24, 2025.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James talks with son, guard Bronny James, during a break in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Oct. 5, 2025.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James and forward LeBron James, wearing a Los Angeles Dodgers cap, watch the action against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter at Chase Center on Oct. 5, 2025.
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LeBron and Bronny James making NBA history together during 2026 season
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) and forward LeBron James jog up the court after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets of Game 4 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 26, 2026.
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LeBron and Bronny James making NBA history together during 2026 season
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) and forward LeBron James jog up the court after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets of Game 4 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 26, 2026.
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LeBron and Bronny James making NBA history together during 2026 season
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gives the ball to guard Bronny James during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets during Game 3 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026.
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LeBron and Bronny James making NBA history together during 2026 season
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Bronny James react after a play during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets of Game 3 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026.
4 / 13
LeBron and Bronny James making NBA history together during 2026 season
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) sets a pick on Houston Rockets forward Jae'sean Tate (8) as Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) dribbles the ball during the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026.
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LeBron and Bronny James making NBA history together during 2026 season
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) sets a screen on Houston Rockets guard Aaron Holiday (0) as Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James takes the ball down court in the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 21, 2026.
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LeBron and Bronny James making NBA history together during 2026 season
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) with son Bronny James in the first half against the Houston Rockets during Game 1 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026.
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LeBron and Bronny James making NBA history together during 2026 season
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gets a tap from guard Bronny James during a stoppage in play in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Crypto.com Arena on March 30, 2026.
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LeBron and Bronny James making NBA history together during 2026 season
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) interacts with guard Luke Kennard (10) and guard Bronny James (9) before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena on March 3, 2026.
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LeBron and Bronny James making NBA history together during 2026 season
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) guard Bronny James (9) and forward Rui Hachimura (28) watch game action during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 10, 2026.
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LeBron and Bronny James making NBA history together during 2026 season
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) greets guard Bronny James (9) as Bronny enters the game for LeBron during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 13, 2026
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LeBron and Bronny James making NBA history together during 2026 season
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (left) and son Bronny James watch from the bench in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 24, 2025.
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LeBron and Bronny James making NBA history together during 2026 season
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James talks with son, guard Bronny James, during a break in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Oct. 5, 2025.
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LeBron and Bronny James making NBA history together during 2026 season
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James and forward LeBron James, wearing a Los Angeles Dodgers cap, watch the action against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter at Chase Center on Oct. 5, 2025.
Despite the fact James led the Lakers to a championship – the 17th in franchise history in 2020 that culminated in the NBA bubble in Walt Disney World in Florida. Despite the fact he became the NBA's all-time leading scorer in front of Lakers fans when he overtook Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Despite the dunks, the 3-pointers and, well, more than a few turnovers.
“I think he did a lot,’’ Massey said. “Won a championship. And he’s still contributing. He’s a pretty strong force.’’
Massey’s fondness for James goes beyond his on-court accomplishments in Los Angeles.
“I think he’s a great basketball player, a great figure in sports,’’ she said, reflecting on the time LeBron James and Bronny spent on the court together during the Lakers first-round series against the Houston Rockets.
“Did someone else do that for their child?’’ she said. “I bet if he could he would teach the world basketball.’’
Higher expectations
Four young men wearing Kobe Bryant jerseys and t-shirts surely would offer a tougher assessment.
“If LeBron can win another championship here, he deserves a statue,’’ Matthew Dominguez of Sylmar, California, said, of the statues outside Crypto.com Arena reserved for Laker greats like Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. “I think he knew what we expected. But we’re so grateful. He doesn’t deserve all the hate.’’
In fact, Dominguez said he hopes the Lakers keep James. That James could be key to the team winning another NBA title, something the fans like Dominguez are craving.
“And if he doesn’t do it for us, do it for Bronny,’’ Dominguez.
LeBron James, regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, entered the NBA straight out of high school as the number one pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. Take a look back at the four-time NBA champ's career from high school to the Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, back to Cleveland, and most recently with the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers heads up court agaist the Washington Wizards in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2006 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on April 22, 2006 in Cleveland, Ohio.
LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers gets in for a first quarter break away dunk in front of Antonio McDyess #24 of the Detroit Pistons in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 26, 2009.
LeBron James #23 and Sasha Pavlovic #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate after James made the game winning three pointer against the Orlando Magic in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals.
LeBron James and ESPN's Jim Gray speak at the LeBron James' announcement of his decision to play for the Miami Heat at the Boys & Girls Club of America on July 8, 2010 in Greenwich, Connecticut.
LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat greets fans as he is introduced during a welcome party at American Airlines Arena on July 9, 2010 in Miami, Florida.
Chris Bosh #1, Dwyane Wade #3, and LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat are introduced to fans during a welcome party at American Airlines Arena on July 9, 2010 in Miami, Florida.
LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat dunks during a game against the Washington Wizards at American Airlines Arena on November 29, 2010 in Miami, Florida.
LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat sits on the court as court attendants mop up liquid agaisnt the Dallas Mavericks in the second half of Game Three of the 2011 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center on June 5, 2011.
July 17, 2013: LeBron James and Savannah Brinson attend the 2013 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.
Dec. 20, 2013: LeBron James (6) salutes before a game against the Sacramento Kings at American Airlines Arena.
Feb 27, 2014: LeBron James (6) puts on his protective mask during the first half against the New York Knicks at American Airlines Arena.
June 5, 2014: LeBron James (6) dunks the ball during the first quarter against against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the 2014 NBA Finals at AT&T Center.
June 15, 2014: San Antonio, TX, USA; LeBron James (6) and Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra react on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals at AT&T Center.
Sep. 26, 2014: Kevin Love (0), forward LeBron James (23) and guard Kyrie Irving (2) pose for a photo during media day at Cleveland Clinic Courts.
Oct 30, 2014: Traffic backs up outside of Quicken Loans Arena where a new LeBron James mural was installed.
Nov 14, 2014: LeBron James (23) dunks the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden.
Dec. 25, 2014: Dwyane Wade sizes up LeBron James during a game at American Airlines Arena.
Apr 23, 2015: LeBron James (23) dunks against the Boston Celtics during the second half in Game 3 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
June 16, 2015: LeBron James (23) walks off the court after losing to the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena.
March 10, 2016: LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers jokes with Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 120-108 Cavaliers win at Staples Center.
June 8, 2016: LeBron James goes up for a dunk during Game 3 of the NBA Finals against Golden State.
June 19, 2016: LeBron James and Kevin Love celebrate after defeating Golden State in Game 7 of the NBA Finals for the first championship in Cavaliers history.
June 19, 2016: LeBron James (23) celebrates with Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after beating the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena.
June 12, 2017: LeBron James goes up for a layup over Kevin Durant during Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Golden State.
Dec. 17, 2017: LeBron James wears special "Equality" shoes during a win over the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.
Jan. 23, 2018: LeBron James celebrates after scoring his 30,000 career point in a game against the San Antonio Spurs. James is the seventh player in NBA history to reach the 30,000-point milestone.
February 18, 2018: LeBron James celebrates a victory against Team Stephen following the NBA All-Star Game.
Sept. 24, 2018: LeBron James speaks to media at UCLA Health Training Center before his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jan. 25, 2020: James continued him ascent up the career scoring list, passing Lakers legend Kobe Bryant for third place.
Jan. 25, 2020: After passing Bryant, James even got a standing ovation in Philadelphia, Bryant's hometown.
Jan. 31, 2020: LeBron James reacts during the national anthem after a pregame tribute to Kobe Bryant before playing the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center.
Oct. 11, 2020: LeBron James smiles while holding the NBA Finals and MVP trophies after Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series against the Miami Heat.
May 30, 2021: LeBron James (23) dunks for a basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half in game four of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center.
Dec. 15, 2021: LeBron James (6) celebrates the win over the Dallas Mavericks during overtime at the American Airlines Center.
Feb. 7, 2023: LeBron James celebrates with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after breaking the record for all-time scoring in the NBA against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena.
March 2, 2024 : Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James acknowledges the crowd after scoring his 40,000th career point against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena in Denver.
Oct. 22, 2024: LeBron James #23 and Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers on defense during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
April 4, 2025: LeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers shake hands against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
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LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
LeBron James, regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, entered the NBA straight out of high school as the number one pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. Take a look back at the four-time NBA champ's career from high school to the Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, back to Cleveland, and most recently with the Los Angeles Lakers.
1 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
LeBron James, regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, entered the NBA straight out of high school as the number one pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. Take a look back at the four-time NBA champ's career from high school to the Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, back to Cleveland, and most recently with the Los Angeles Lakers.
2 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers heads up court agaist the Washington Wizards in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2006 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on April 22, 2006 in Cleveland, Ohio.
3 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers gets in for a first quarter break away dunk in front of Antonio McDyess #24 of the Detroit Pistons in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 26, 2009.
4 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
LeBron James #23 and Sasha Pavlovic #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate after James made the game winning three pointer against the Orlando Magic in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals.
5 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
LeBron James and ESPN's Jim Gray speak at the LeBron James' announcement of his decision to play for the Miami Heat at the Boys & Girls Club of America on July 8, 2010 in Greenwich, Connecticut.
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LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat greets fans as he is introduced during a welcome party at American Airlines Arena on July 9, 2010 in Miami, Florida.
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LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Chris Bosh #1, Dwyane Wade #3, and LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat are introduced to fans during a welcome party at American Airlines Arena on July 9, 2010 in Miami, Florida.
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LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat dunks during a game against the Washington Wizards at American Airlines Arena on November 29, 2010 in Miami, Florida.
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LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat sits on the court as court attendants mop up liquid agaisnt the Dallas Mavericks in the second half of Game Three of the 2011 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center on June 5, 2011.
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LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
July 17, 2013: LeBron James and Savannah Brinson attend the 2013 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.
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LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Dec. 20, 2013: LeBron James (6) salutes before a game against the Sacramento Kings at American Airlines Arena.
12 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Feb 27, 2014: LeBron James (6) puts on his protective mask during the first half against the New York Knicks at American Airlines Arena.
13 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
June 5, 2014: LeBron James (6) dunks the ball during the first quarter against against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the 2014 NBA Finals at AT&T Center.
14 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
June 15, 2014: San Antonio, TX, USA; LeBron James (6) and Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra react on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals at AT&T Center.
15 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Sep. 26, 2014: Kevin Love (0), forward LeBron James (23) and guard Kyrie Irving (2) pose for a photo during media day at Cleveland Clinic Courts.
16 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Oct 30, 2014: Traffic backs up outside of Quicken Loans Arena where a new LeBron James mural was installed.
17 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Nov 14, 2014: LeBron James (23) dunks the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden.
18 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Dec. 25, 2014: Dwyane Wade sizes up LeBron James during a game at American Airlines Arena.
19 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Apr 23, 2015: LeBron James (23) dunks against the Boston Celtics during the second half in Game 3 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
20 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
June 16, 2015: LeBron James (23) walks off the court after losing to the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena.
21 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
March 10, 2016: LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers jokes with Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 120-108 Cavaliers win at Staples Center.
22 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
June 8, 2016: LeBron James goes up for a dunk during Game 3 of the NBA Finals against Golden State.
23 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
June 19, 2016: LeBron James and Kevin Love celebrate after defeating Golden State in Game 7 of the NBA Finals for the first championship in Cavaliers history.
24 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
June 19, 2016: LeBron James (23) celebrates with Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after beating the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena.
25 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
June 12, 2017: LeBron James goes up for a layup over Kevin Durant during Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Golden State.
26 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Dec. 17, 2017: LeBron James wears special "Equality" shoes during a win over the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.
27 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Jan. 23, 2018: LeBron James celebrates after scoring his 30,000 career point in a game against the San Antonio Spurs. James is the seventh player in NBA history to reach the 30,000-point milestone.
28 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
February 18, 2018: LeBron James celebrates a victory against Team Stephen following the NBA All-Star Game.
29 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Sept. 24, 2018: LeBron James speaks to media at UCLA Health Training Center before his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
30 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Jan. 25, 2020: James continued him ascent up the career scoring list, passing Lakers legend Kobe Bryant for third place.
31 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Jan. 25, 2020: After passing Bryant, James even got a standing ovation in Philadelphia, Bryant's hometown.
32 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Jan. 31, 2020: LeBron James reacts during the national anthem after a pregame tribute to Kobe Bryant before playing the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center.
33 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Oct. 11, 2020: LeBron James smiles while holding the NBA Finals and MVP trophies after Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series against the Miami Heat.
34 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
May 30, 2021: LeBron James (23) dunks for a basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half in game four of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center.
35 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Dec. 15, 2021: LeBron James (6) celebrates the win over the Dallas Mavericks during overtime at the American Airlines Center.
36 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Feb. 7, 2023: LeBron James celebrates with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after breaking the record for all-time scoring in the NBA against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena.
37 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
March 2, 2024 : Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James acknowledges the crowd after scoring his 40,000th career point against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena in Denver.
38 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
Oct. 22, 2024: LeBron James #23 and Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers on defense during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
39 / 39
LeBron James: See his rise from high school basketball standout to NBA legend
April 4, 2025: LeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers shake hands against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
'No small feat'
Aiden Rivas, wearing a No. 6 jersey with James on the back, was standing in line outside Crypto.com Arena more than an hour before the doors opened. Speaking of which, Lakers fans might not have been so open to James’ coming to the Lakers, according to Rivas.
They feared Los Angeles might just be another stop as he jumped from one team to another. They assumed he was here to live in Los Angeles more than play for the Lakers.
Those concerns receded, Rivas, 20, told USA TODAY Sports.
“He brought us a ring, and that’s no small feat,’’ Rivas said. “Overall, I think he did a great job of getting us to the playoffs almost every year. That’s huge.
“I remember the times we couldn’t make it to the playoffs and we had Jordan Clarkson.’’
Sorry, Jordan.
Michael Jordan, Laney High School (NC)
LeBron James, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (OH)
Kobe Bryant, Lower Merion High School (PA)
Stephen Curry, Charlotte Christian School (NC)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Power Memorial Academy (NY)
Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, Everett High School (MI)
Larry Bird, Springs Valley High School (IN)
Bill Russell, McClymonds High School (CA)
Wilt Chamberlain, Overbrook High School (PA)
Shaquille O'Neal, Cole High School (TX)
Tim Duncan, St. Dunstan's Episcopal High School (U.S. Virgin Islands)
Kevin Durant, Montrose Christian School (MD)
Allen Iverson, Bethel High School (VA)
Oscar Robertson, Crispus Attucks High School (IN)
Elgin Baylor, Spingarn High School (DC)
Jerry West, East Bank High School (WV)
Julius Erving, Roosevelt High School (NY)
Moses Malone, Petersburg High School (VA)
Kevin Garnett, Farragut Career Academy (IL)/Mauldin High School (SC)
Charles Barkley, Leeds High School (AL)
Karl Malone, Summerfield High School (LA)
David Robinson, Osbourn Park High School (VA)
Isiah Thomas, St. Joseph High School (IL)
John Havlicek, Bridgeport High School (OH)
Pete Maravich, Daniel High School (SC)
Chris Paul, West Forsyth High School (NC)
Meadowlark Lemon, Wiliston High School (NC)
Dwyane Wade, Harold L. Richards High School (IL)
1 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Michael Jordan, Laney High School (NC)
1 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Michael Jordan, Laney High School (NC)
2 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
LeBron James, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (OH)
3 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Kobe Bryant, Lower Merion High School (PA)
4 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Stephen Curry, Charlotte Christian School (NC)
5 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Power Memorial Academy (NY)
6 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, Everett High School (MI)
7 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Larry Bird, Springs Valley High School (IN)
8 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Bill Russell, McClymonds High School (CA)
9 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Wilt Chamberlain, Overbrook High School (PA)
10 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Shaquille O'Neal, Cole High School (TX)
11 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Tim Duncan, St. Dunstan's Episcopal High School (U.S. Virgin Islands)
12 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Kevin Durant, Montrose Christian School (MD)
13 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Allen Iverson, Bethel High School (VA)
14 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Oscar Robertson, Crispus Attucks High School (IN)
15 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Elgin Baylor, Spingarn High School (DC)
16 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Jerry West, East Bank High School (WV)
17 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Julius Erving, Roosevelt High School (NY)
18 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Moses Malone, Petersburg High School (VA)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Kevin Garnett, Farragut Career Academy (IL)/Mauldin High School (SC)
20 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Charles Barkley, Leeds High School (AL)
21 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Karl Malone, Summerfield High School (LA)
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Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
David Robinson, Osbourn Park High School (VA)
23 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Isiah Thomas, St. Joseph High School (IL)
24 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
John Havlicek, Bridgeport High School (OH)
25 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Pete Maravich, Daniel High School (SC)
26 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Chris Paul, West Forsyth High School (NC)
27 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Meadowlark Lemon, Wiliston High School (NC)
28 / 28
Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claim
Dwyane Wade, Harold L. Richards High School (IL)
Siblings perspective
Jesse and Lizbeth Medina, siblings who live in Los Angeles, sat outside Crypto.com Arena.
Jesse Medina, 25, said of James, “I think LeBron was good for PR, good for fan engagement but Luka (Doncic) will transform the team.’’
Lizabeth Medina, wearing a Kobe Bryant jersey, said of James' time here, “I was expecting another championship.’’
