“We’re gonna piss everybody off!” Gilbert Arenas struggles to bench LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan
Gilbert Arenas struggled to choose which basketball greats in a trio of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James would start in his team.
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Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and LeBron James (Images via MARCA/Entertainment Weekly)
Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. His influence on the game spanned decades, and his unmatched aura remains unparalleled. On the other hand, there’s the late Kobe Bryant, fondly remembered as one of the best players of his generation. Then, there is LeBron James, known for his remarkable longevity and equally regarded as one of basketball’s all-time greats. All three legends are world-class stars, each considered a GOAT in their own right.
And this means any coach would have a hard time choosing who among the trio to start or keep on the bench. This was the exact dilemma faced by former NBA star Gilbert Arenas recently. In an episode of The OGs Show, Arenas attempted to decide which NBA legend should start, be benched, or cut entirely from a team. While revealing his choices on the podcast, Arenas said:
We just gonna f****** piss everybody off, Imma start LeBron, bench Jordan, cut Kobe. Kobe is my favorite player of all time, but I can't have Jordan and Kobe on the same team. If Jordan starts and Kobe's coming off the bench, Jordan ain't coming out for him. So, if I start Kobe, he ain't subbing in Jordan. So, I'm gonna go with the safe pick as a coach. Imma start LeBron, Jordan off the bench, Bron will come out the game.Gilbert Arenas said
According to the NBA veteran, having the trio on the same team would present a tricky selection decision for any coach. Therefore, he would choose to start LeBron James, keep Michael Jordan on the bench, and leave Kobe Bryant out. Gilbert Arenas further explained that this lineup would ensure no conflicts arise during the game.
From his statements, it is likely that if Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant were teammates during their playing days, they would disagree over who should be starting or coming off the bench. And that would lead to friction within the team.
It is a delicate situation, and one that Arenas is trying to play nice with. In this case, he opted to go with LeBron James as the player to make it work, suggesting that the Los Angeles Lakers star is the less egoistic of them all.
NFL legend weighed in on Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James GOAT debate
The GOAT debate has always been a frequent topic in basketball circles. And while many names have come into play, both fans and analysts alike have focused on LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Of course, there is no denial that they have both left tremendous impact on the sport.
NFL legend Chris Canty became the latest person to share his thoughts on the duo, and the raging debate over who of them is truly the greatest of all time. He said on Unsportsmanlike Radio recently:
Even amongst the greatest football players of all time... the reverence that they show for Michael Jordan is next level... LeBron just could never.Chris Canty said
While Jordan is undoubtedly a basketball icon, one cannot deny the achievements of James as well. And despite the fact that many are still divided on the GOAT debate, their influence on the game is to last for decades.
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Peter Okereke
(98 Articles Published)