“Why Hasn’t He Went Into Kobe Bryant Mode?”: Joel Embiid Recieves Backhanded Compliment From Gilbert Arenas Amidst Game 1 Absence

Joel Embiid may have had MVP-caliber campaigns before, but this one is undoubtedly his best one. During this season, the man has posed a great challenge to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s title as the most dominant player in the NBA today. However, if former NBA star Gilbert Arenas is to be believed, the man still has an even higher level he can get to. And the only reason he hasn’t gotten to it already, is because he has failed to adopt Kobe Bryant’s Mamba mentality. And so, he is, in the man’s own words, ‘lazy’. Let’s get into it.

Gilbert Arenas calls Joel Embiid lazy for not averaging 40 points per game despite his talent

Joel Embiid has been called a lot of things over the years. And sure, ‘lazy’ was one of them too, considering his early career habits, but things have changed since. With serious changes in the man’s diet, there has come more success, and of course a better perception. And yet, Gilbert Arenas isn’t happy with him just yet.

Instead, he just continues to call him lazy for not adopting Kobe Bryant’s mentality. Take a look at the YouTube clip by ‘GilsArena’, showcasing Arenas’s podcast appearance where he speaks on this topic.

“No one can guard him, period. No one can stop this man. He is the most dominant and skilled big man in the game. But, I think (Joel Embiid is) lazy. He’s averaging 31, 33 (points per game). No one can stop him, so why isn’t he averaging 40 (points per game)?

Why hasn’t he really just taken over this whole season? Why hasn’t he went into Kobe (Bryant) mode?”

These words may be a bit harsh, but there is some truth to them. Sure, Joel Embiid probably won’t average 40 points per contest since that’s just a bit too much. However, there is clearly a level this man can elevate to. And indeed, adopting a Kobe Bryant mentality would ensure some massive strides in that direction.

Why is Joel Embiid not playing in Game 1 against the Boston Celtics?

Despite playing against the championship favorites in the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers have been forced to play in game 1 without Joel Embiid due to a sprained LCL in his knee as per ESPN. It is unclear as to when he will return to the fold for the 76ers. However, there is hope that he will not be forced to miss the entire postseason.

About the author

Tonoy Sengupta

Tonoy Sengupta is a Senior Editor at The SportsRush. Coming from an athletically inclined family, he has been surrounded by sports ever since he was 4 years old. But, while initially pouring all his time into Football (soccer), at 14, Tonoy discovered basketball through the countless highlights of Stephen Curry humiliating players from Curry Land. And just like that, a fiery passion for the game was ignited within Tonoy. And soon after, he decided to become a student of journalism, graduating in 2022, and choosing sports as his area of interest. Today, you can find him spending 99% of his time browsing through every type of content on every team in the NBA, before uncorking everything he has found to the world. In the 1% he isn't doing this, you can find him playing Basketball, Football, Volleyball, or practically any other sport he has had the opportunity to learn.

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