Jim Brown Says LeBron James Deserves Statue in Cleveland

Browns Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown is perhaps the most iconic Cleveland sports figure of all time, but the legendary athlete believes Cavaliers megastar LeBron James deserves to be immortalized by the Cavs in much the same way he will be by the Browns. 

According to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal, Brown feels as though King James should have a statue erected in his honor after leading the Cavaliers to their first-ever NBA championship over the Golden State Warriors:

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[Cavs owner Dan] Gilbert is going to give him a statue. He'd better give him a statue. That young man put out so much blood, sweat and tears it's unbelievable. He gave up his life. He could've had a heart attack he was playing so hard. So they'd better give him a statue. That's the least they could do.

[He's] a young man who has taken responsibility on every level — community, family, team, organization, city — and he's done it with grace. He's carried himself well. He has bitten the bullet many times, and it's paid off for him. His legacy is set, and I'm so happy for him.

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The Browns announced in February that Brown will be honored with a statue outside FirstEnergy Stadium in a show of appreciation for the NFL's former all-time leading rusher.

While Brown retired early at the age of 30, he left an indelible mark on Cleveland sports by helping the Browns win the NFL championship in 1964.

James likely would have been considered one of the NBA's all-time greats even without bringing a championship to Cleveland, but he seemingly cemented his status by taking down the Warriors in perhaps the greatest individual effort in NBA Finals history.

According to ESPN Stats & Info, LeBron led the charge in every major statistical category en route to his third career NBA Finals MVP award:

He posted a triple-double in Game 7 against the Warriors, and there is little doubt he was the biggest difference-maker in the series from start to finish.

James was once viewed as one of the biggest villains in Cleveland sports history after leaving town to win two titles with the Miami Heat, but all is forgotten now that he has taken the Cavs to the mountaintop.

LeBron still has several good years ahead of him at 31 years of age and perhaps more championships to come as well, but a statue in his likeness seems like a sure thing regardless of how the remainder of his career plays out.

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