Gilbert Arenas has always backed LeBron James in the GOAT debate, as the Los Angeles Lakers superstar looks to begin his 21st season in the NBA this year. While recapping the events from the preseason, Agent Zero realized that LeBron James wasn’t being appreciated enough for his performances. The 38-year-old superstar is currently the oldest player in the league, and is still proving to be lethal as a performer, making the saying ‘age is just a number’ sound pretty accurate.
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While speaking of him in the Gil’s Arena show, Arenas compared the other 38-year-olds who had shared the same stage in the NBA. One of the most prominent athletes who would come to anyone’s mind is Michael Jordan, who returned to play with the Washington Wizards around the same age.
Compared to Jordan’s peak in the ’90s, the Jordan of the 2000s was just a shadow of his former self. In comparison, as a 38-year-old LeBron James continues to be a lethal player, extending the Lakers’ title contention chances with his immense skill set and durability.
Gilbert Arenas compliments 38-year-old LeBron James for his incredible durability
Even at the age of 38, LBJ’s stats with the Lakers are phenomenal. James currently leads the career points table of the league, having beaten Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to grab the top spot with 38,652 career points.
Compared to the other 38-year-olds, James’ form and shape were something that fascinated Arenas. Agent Zero realized that the NBA community has ignored that LBJ is still as strong as his former self despite being in his 21st season. Speaking about the same, he said:
“I think because he has been so good for so long, I don’t think no one in real time is realizing what LeBron [James] is actually doing. No one’s paying attention. Like, let’s just say his age. He is 38. Now, when you compare him to other 38-year-olds who have played this game, they look exactly like 38. 7 points, playing 4-5 minutes.”
While on this topic, the Gil’s Arena crew talked about Michael Jordan, who had returned to play with the Washington Wizards from 2001 to 2003. Though Jordan averaged 21.2 points per game during that time, he couldn’t bring in the same stats as his former self. Compared to that, LBJ, at 38 can still average MVP-caliber numbers, break records in the league, and find himself in the top 5 categories of offense and defense in the NBA
Indeed, Agent Zero was confident that LBJ would shine bright for his 21st season. Despite a new pool of talents such as Victor Wembanyama coming in, LeBron still looks as fresh as the hot prospect from Akron back in 2003. The crew speculated that for the time being, James could be playing basketball until 44, given his current fitness levels and form in the game.
LeBron won’t retire till he shares the floor with son Bronny James
LeBron James has no plans of retiring till he shares the hardwood with his son, Bronny James. One of LBJ’s biggest aspirations has been to play as a father-son duo with Bronny. And for that, James will probably be ready to move to whichever team drafts Bronny in his draft class.
Last season, James averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game, which sounds like the averages of a superstar at his peak. James also broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for most career points in the NBA last season as well. Going in strong for this season, seems like James is on a mission to establish himself further in the GOAT debate of basketball.
