Gilbert Arenas takes aim at LeBron James: Claims he doesn’t deserve a statue in LA

The NBA icon hasn’t done enough to impress one ex-player

Gilbert Arenas

Gilbert ArenasLAPRESSE

 

NBA record holder LeBron James has been told he doesn’t deserve a statue from the Los Angeles Lakers despite entering uncharted territory as a basketball player.

‘The King’ became the first player in NBA history to surpass 40,000 points in his career with his haul in the 124-114 defeat against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.

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LeBron James shut up Stephen A Smith by confronting him before scoring 40,000

James only needed nine points to reach the milestone and he did it with consummate ease by the second quarter, finishing the game with 26 points, nine assists and four rebounds.

With this achievement, James is the only player in NBA history to reach 40,000 points, 10,000 assists and 11,000 rebounds, which means he has practically averaged a triple-double throughout his career.

That is before including his record as a four-time NBA champion and being named MVP as many times. While Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson are often discussed as basketball’s best-ever, James must now be included in that conversation.

Many fans and pundits, including ESPN commentator Kendrick Perkins, feel that the 39-year-old deserves to have a statue outside the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

“I mean, get ready to start looking for the LeBron statue outside the Crypto.com arena. That’s it, OK?” Perk said recently.

However, former Washington Wizards player and three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas doesn’t believe he has done enough with the Lakers to merit a statue being built in his honor.

“If his career ended right now, definitely not,” Arenas said in an interview on the ‘Nightcap’ podcast with Shannon Sharpe.

Gilbert Arenas contends LeBron James doesn't merit a statue in LA

In the form of his life

It’s fair to say that at the age of 39, LeBron cannot be expected to produce the same level of performance as he did a decade ago. But in terms of his age, no one has been as influential in NBA history.

With an average of 25.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game, while shooting 40.8% from three-point range, James remains an important player.

He also staged the biggest comeback of his 21-season NBA career in a 116-112 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers recently, where he scored more points in the fourth quarter (19) than the entire opposing team (16).

However, the Lakers have endured a poor season and currently sit in 10th place in the Western Conference, and with their last title in 2020, LeBron may have to rally his teammates if he wants that statue anytime soon.

LeBron’s billion-dollar bid: How much is The King gambling on having an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas?

The NBA is in the process of implementing the long-awaited expansion.

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LeBron James does not stop in his efforts to become the owner of an NBA team.

 

NBA expansion has been a hot topic for years, and now it’s on the horizon. NBA Comissioner Adam Silver recently confirmed that expanding the league will be a primary focus once the new media rights deal is finalized. Among the many suitors for a new team, one name stands out: LeBron James.

On Thursday, Fortune reported that LeBron James would be throwing his hat into the ring to bid for an NBA franchise, specifically aiming for a team in Las Vegas. The city, known for its glitz and glamour, seems a fitting home for a new NBA team, and LeBron is determined to be at the helm.

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“The looming bidding war for the NBA expansion team expected to be granted to Las Vegas is shaping up to be the most competitive and expensive sports deal in US history. The list of potential suitors spans LeBron James and his backers to the company that owns the Red Bull brand,” Fortune reported. The total price tag, including building a new arena, could hit a staggering $7 billion.

Could he be a player and an owner at the same time?

The timing of this expansion is crucial. The Los Angeles Lakers great is nearing the twilight of his illustrious career, but how close is he to the end? And how quickly will the expansion take shape? These are the questions on everyone’s mind.

James’ involvement in the bidding process could be indirect at first. There are ways to navigate the complexities of his transition from player to owner. Handshake agreements and understandings could ensure that LeBron is part of an ownership group without directly bidding, especially if the timelines overlap between his playing career and the league’s expansion.

Moreover, the NBA would undoubtedly want James involved as an owner. His presence would be mutually beneficial, and the league might even bend some rules to accommodate his transition. LeBron’s influence and connections make him a formidable contender in this bidding war.

LeBron is about to see his dream come true

Considering LeBron’s long-standing desire to own an NBA team, his vocal advocacy, and his extensive network, it seems likely that he has a solid plan in place. If he wins the bid, LeBron James could soon be at the forefront of bringing an NBA team to the neon lights of Las Vegas, making sports history once again.

As the NBAmoves towards expansion, all eyes will be on LeBron and the potential new franchise in Sin City. This high-stakes bidding war promises to be one of the most exciting and expensive in sports history, and LeBron James is ready to bet big on his dream of NBA ownership.