“See What Happens When We Get Rid of Anthony Davis”: Gilbert Arenas Credits LeBron James’ Scorching First Half to Lakers Trading AD

On Tuesday, the Lakers played their first game since Anthony Davis was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. There has been a sense of sadness among the Lakers fanbase, players, and coaches because of AD’s departure. However, Gilbert Arenas celebrated the same after witnessing LeBron James’ first-half onslaught against the Clippers.

Arena’s excitement came two months after he was on Davis’ case before for not stepping up as the top dog for the Lakers.

“Sometimes we just gotta accept some people just don’t want to be the bad guy,” the former All-Star had called out AD when the Lakers were going through a rough patch.

“Maybe he don’t wanna be responsible for losing games, maybe he can’t take the pressure of dropping this game. Like I rather let the 40-year-old do it because I don’t want the responsibility if we lose, Laker nation is going to be on me.”

While watching the Lakers vs Clippers game live on Playback, Arenas insinuated that without AD, the Lakers are in a better position. According to Arenas, since LBJ doesn’t have to let AD be the top dog, he can shine and give the team what they need on any given night.

With 42 seconds left in the first quarter, LeBron missed a free throw. However, Jaxson Hayes managed to rebound the ball and send it back into King James’ hands. The 40-year-old then converted it into three points with a one-legged jumper, which had Arenas celebrating in his chair.

The former NBA star said, “You see what happens when we get rid of AD?”

Gilbert Arenas reacts to Lebron scoring 14 points in the first quarter

“You see what happens when we get rid of AD”

(🎥: @GilsArenaShow) pic.twitter.com/8hjx4c1lF1

— Playback (@WatchPlayback) February 5, 2025

Coach JJ Redick had stated at the beginning of the season that AD would take on the responsibility of scoring in order to give LBJ enough time to rest. However, Davis’ presence was far more valuable than just an offensive player. In time, we will know exactly the impact of his departure.

But for now, the Lakers are in a great position. LBJ ended the first quarter with 14 points and had 21 points by the end of the first half. He shot 8-11 from the field and had five assists and three steals.

Arenas has also been very vocal about the Luka Doncic trade, which has largely polarised the basketball community. Doncic is expected to complement LBJ’s stardom and Arenas is all for it.

Arenas’ reaction to the Lakers securing Doncic in place of Davis

Another reason why Arenas was downplaying AD’s importance could be because he has been very pleased with the trade. Agent Zero believes that Luka is going to be on “demon time” in LA. Arenas was seen jumping around in his studio in excitement following the Luka trade.

He said, “We got our number one option now…He won’t be passing to LeBron James. We finally got somebody who will take over and for the future.” Arenas claimed that even if the Lakers lose every game this season, they have secured their future by bringing in Luka.

Since the Slovenian is not playing tonight against the Clippers, we will have to wait to see the kind of chemistry Luka will have with LeBron. But it’s clear from the nature of this trade that the Lakers will soon push Luka to be the face of the franchise.