Hardaway acknowledged LeBron’s greatness but was adamant that James does not belong in the top five of all-time Lakers legends. “He played five or six years for them. We’re not going to discount LeBron. LeBron is up there. But he’s not top five as a Laker. Hell no! Next time you go in that arena, look up there,” Hardaway said, referencing the retired jerseys and championship banners that define the franchise’s storied history.

While LeBron’s accomplishments in Los Angeles are impressive, Hardaway’s argument centers on the impact and legacy of Lakers icons who spent the majority—or entirety—of their careers with the team.

Lakers’ true franchise legends: why LeBron falls short

The Lakers are one of the most storied franchises in sports, boasting a lineage of all-time greats who defined multiple eras of basketball dominance. When comparing LeBron to the Lakers’ true franchise legends, his standing becomes more complicated.

Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson: Lakers’ ultimate icons

Kobe Bryant spent 20 seasons in purple and gold, winning five titles, delivering countless legendary performances, and becoming the ultimate symbol of Lakers basketball. His relentless work ethic and “Mamba Mentality” solidified his place as a franchise cornerstone.

Magic Johnson revolutionized the game with his elite playmaking, leadership, and five championships in the 1980s. He made the “Showtime” Lakers one of the most electrifying teams in NBA history and remains synonymous with the franchise’s golden era.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal: dominant big men

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer before LeBron surpassed him, was the foundation of the Lakers’ 1980s dynasty alongside Magic. He won five championships in Los Angeles and remains one of the most dominant and skilled big men the game has ever seen.

Shaquille O’Neal defined an era in the early 2000s, winning three straight Finals MVPs and forming an unstoppable duo with Kobe Bryant. His physical dominance in the paint made him one of the most unguardable forces in NBA history.

Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain: Pioneers of Lakers greatness

Jerry West, the NBA logo himself, was the heart of the Lakers for over a decade, consistently leading them deep into the playoffs and winning a championship in 1972. His legacy as a clutch performer and brilliant basketball mind extends beyond his playing days.

Wilt Chamberlain, though he spent fewer seasons with the Lakers, was a force of nature and helped lead the team to the historic 1972 championship, contributing to their then-record 33-game win streak. His rebounding and scoring dominance changed the game forever.

In 2022, during a debate on ESPN with Chris Russo and Stephen A. Smith, Redick made a controversial statement about NBA players of previous generations. Discussing the legends of the 50s and 60s, Redick said: “Did Bob Cousy ever shoot over 40% from the field as a player? Not once. He was being guarded by plumbers and firemen. If you say Bob Cousy is the best point guard ever…”

These comments resurfaced recently and prompted a strong response from Tim Hardaway Sr., a 5-time NBA All-Star. Speaking on the Come And Talk 2 Me podcast hosted by Mark Jackson, Hardaway took direct aim at Redick, stating: “JJ Redick, he said that he was mediocre; I don’t even know what he said, but, man, please, he couldn’t even play back then.”

Hardaway, clearly offended by Redick’s criticism of past NBA players, elaborated further: “In the park district, we wouldn’t have him playing back then. We wouldn’t even have him in the court. He could only dribble; that’s all he could do-dribble. I mean, the only thing he could do is shoot; he couldn’t even dribble the basketball, man.”

Tim Hardaway Sr. didn’t hold back in defending the era in which he played, highlighting the athleticism of players from the past. “It irked me when nobody ever played in that era,” Hardaway said. “How are you going to talk about that era? A lot of guys were athletic; you telling me Dominique Wilkins wasn’t athletic; of course, Michael Jordan, there were a lot of guys that were athletic and could play.”

Hardaway’s legacy in the ‘90s

It’s an interesting take, considering Hardaway played in the NBA from 1989 to 2003 — an era far more similar to today’s game than the one Redick criticized in his 2022 comments.

Hardaway had his most successful years with the Golden State Warriors and the Miami Heat, earning five NBA All-Star selections and one All-NBA First Team honor. He retired in 2003 after a short stint with the Indiana Pacers, while JJ Redick entered the league just three years later, selected with the 11th pick in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic.

Hardaway believes today’s game is easier

While Hardaway clearly has strong feelings about the past, he also has his own opinions on today’s NBA. The 5-time All-Star firmly believes that it’s easier to excel in the current era, citing the emphasis on three-point shooting and the rise of high-scoring offenses.

“40 easy,” Hardaway said about his potential performance if he were playing today. “I get to shoot 15 threes a game; I’m like Steph Curry. I’m like Steph Curry right now. It’d be hard to deal with me right now. 40 easy.”

Not only are the Mavs on a three-game losing streak, but they also lost seven of their last 10 games. To make matters worse, other teams in the West have improved and climbed in the standings, with the Mavericks currently out of play-in spots.

Needless to say, missing the playoffs would be a complete failure since the team had ambitious goals this season. But pairing Doncic with Kyrie Irving didn’t seem to work, and Tim Hardaway Sr. didn’t mince his words on them.

Tim Hardaway Sr. blames Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving for Mavs’ struggles

“They’re missing a leader out there. Luka is not a leader, Kyrie is not a leader.Jalen Brunson was a leader,”Tim Hardaway Sr. said in an appearance on The Carton Show, as quoted by Bleacher Report.

“A leader shows by example, by playing defense. When he says something, he does it also, and that’s what a leader is. And like I said, those two guys are not leaders. They’re complementary, dominant great basketball players. Great scorers.”

Hardaway didn’t seem to care about the fact they’re his son’s teammates. The Mavs are currently 11th in the Western Conference Standings, and unless they suddenly turn up their game, their ending to the season could be catastrophic.