It’s the end of an era in Los Angeles, and Lakers fans are mixed over how to feel about it. As much as the Lakers have leaned into the Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves duo, the franchise (and fanbase) is still in a state of reflection after the departure of their beloved superstar, LeBron James.
For NBA legend James Worthy, who played for 12 years on the Lakers, he has nothing but good things to say about LeBron’s tenure with the Purple and Gold. Critically, he understands why LeBron left the team, and has nothing but appreciation for what he was able to accomplish for the franchise.
“When you’re in LA, there’s a lot to compare to,” said Worthy, via TMZ. “There’s Magic’s era, there’s a dynasty with Kobe’s three-peat. So that’s what they expect. But I think in the way that the league is evolving, and the way teams aren’t staying together as long, to get the job done. So you’ll find the one hitter. LeBron was able to get one in the bubble here with us. I can’t do nothing but appreciate it.”
Being a Laker isn’t for everyone, and Worthy knows that better than most. He played his entire career in Los Angeles, averaging 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game on 52.1% shooting from the field. In 1994, he retired as a three-time champion, seven-time All-Star, and two-time All-NBA player. Today, he’s considered a franchise icon for his role in one of their most prosperous stretches to date.
“I only think about what we were like before LeBron came,” Worthy added. “It was misery. It was misery. We weren’t getting in the playoffs; we weren’t winning. We were trading a lot of players away. So, you know, for what he brought to us, he’s a huge draw globally. We didn’t win the championship; it was in the bubble, however. But, you know what, look, for what he did for LA while he was here, I don’t think you can argue.”
Worthy, 65, always spoke highly of LeBron in the past, and he even once called him the best athlete he’s ever seen. Despite that, James’ legacy is still debated among the fans. For many, he’s not a “true Laker” in the same sense as their more signature athletes like Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson, who each won five championships with the team. They defined the culture, embraced the chaos, and gave Lakers fans countless unforgettable moments. As impressive as he is, LeBron does not have the same track record in LA, and leaving the Lakers behind gives the fans there a reason to hold a grudge.
“I don’t know about that, it’s a long period of time you have to be here,” said Worthy on a potential James statue in Los Angeles. “Kobe was here his entire career. Magic, Kareem, so that’s debatable. But he’ll get a statue without question in maybe two cities. But you never know about LA. I don’t know how the organization is gonna feel about his career. He’s broken records. He’s done a lot, so we’ll see at the end of his career if that’s feasible.”
Nevertheless, while LeBron only led the Lakers to one championship, it’s still enough for Worthy to call his run there a success. When he arrived in 2018, the Lakers were in full rebuild mode, with no clear vision or plan for the future. Overnight, LeBron turned them into a contender, and what followed was years of competitive games and history-defining feats. It was James who helped lure Antony Davis to the team, and it was James who helped put Austin Reaves in a position to thrive as an undrafted prospect.
So while the LeBron James era was far from perfect for the Lakers, there’s still plenty for them to be grateful about. LeBron ended a years-long drought and helped bring glory and prestige back to the league’s most iconic brand. What happens next is anyone’s guess, but nothing will erase the legacy he left behind in LA, which will stand the test of time.
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