17 January 2025

Gilbert Arenas criticized people for being detained LeBron James By a different standard than Michael Jordan as a 40-year-old player. The former Washington Wizards star played for the team six times NBA The champion also faced the Los Angeles Lakers star as a competitor, and expressed his annoyance with people who try to set unrealistic expectations for James.

A clip from Gil's Arena show shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday shows Arenas discussing co-host Rashad McCants and calling out fans' double standards for James and Jordan.

“No one gave Michael Jordan a chance — they didn't expect anything from him. They were very happy to see a 40-year-old go out there and average 20 (points per game). Why would they put in all that effort? For him trying to destroy LeBron because he played while he was in the game.” He's 40. We're pretending he's 20. We're pretending he's 22 or 23. He's older than Shams (Charania)! Arenas said.

On the other hand, McCants said that given his resume and the franchise he plays for, LeBron James is expected to produce a championship regardless of his age. He even brought Kobe Bryant into the conversation.

“I came here when my husband was still alive and he said, 'Hey, are you sure you're up for this challenge?' You're expected to win every year.' So when you don't, how do we look at you?'' McCants said excitedly.

After winning the most recent NBA Championship in 2020, he became Los Angeles Lakers He tried to return to the top of the league to no avail. The team sits in sixth place in the Western Conference standings (20-16), but nothing suggests they can make a playoff run this year.

LeBron James continues to show that he still gets the ball by throwing the ball with both hands

LeBron James is not an athlete or even an ordinary 40-year-old person. The four-time NBA champion sent social media into a frenzy on Tuesday with a huge matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. After Rui Hachimura missed a 3-pointer, James took a pass from Max Christie, attacked the rim and dropped the ball over the path of junior Derek Lively III.

Although the Mavs dominated the Lakers 118-97, James played a starring role in one of the biggest moments of the night. He finished that game with 18 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in 35 minutes. LeBron James and the Lakers return to the court Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena.