“Never had a SELFISH year” Gilbert Arena condemns all theories suggesting LeBron James is chasing individual stats
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Gilbert Arenas and LeBron James
LeBron James had a very illustrious 19-year career in the league. He had achieved so much in those years and remained on top of his game nearly every season. Living up to his stardom, James became the face of the NBA. He delivered championships for every team he played in and won over fans in each of those franchises. But he was sometimes criticized for being selfish and self-centered for the records. But former NBA star Gilbert Arenas contradicts the same.
Batting for LBJ, Arenas said, “I said, ‘LeBron is probably the only player, the only superstar that never had that year,’” Arenas explained. “He never had that year where he says, ‘Eh, frick everybody. I’m trying to get my stats.’ Because I said, ‘If he ever did that, who’s stopping him?’”
LeBron James may be the best player on every team but not the selfish one.
The Akron-born star made a huge impact in the league with heavy stat lines every season. At 6’9”, LBJ proved to be a physical specimen and proved effective on the basketball court. He was efficient in scoring but also proved effective in defense for his teams. His vision on the court allowed him to craft memorizing plays and rack up a number of assists too.
But his final aim was always the same – winning the Larry O’Brien trophy for his team. Keeping that in mind, Arenas said, “That man would average 40-something. … When LeBron stepped in, it was all about trying to win a championship. Every year, trying to win a championship, so he’s been building the teams to try to win championships, so he’s never actually had a selfish year where he says, ‘I don’t need anybody. I want to show the world what I can do.’”
Gilbert had a very valid point, as we have seen the king making a hard push for the title every season than playing for his individual records. Though 4-time NBA champion LBJ is in the top 10 lists for many stats, it’s just a by-product of his dominant play on the hardwood. A similar argument that’s been made throughout James’ storied career has been that if his ultimate goal were to win MVP awards, he’d be able to do so every season with ease.
LeBron James has won four league MVP awards in his career and was in MVP discussions for more seasons too. Very recently also at 37 years old, James had a chance to win the scoring title, had he played 1 more game, but he did let that chance pass, trying to keep himself fit for the postseason. The last time he won a title was back in 2020 with the Lakers.
After a couple of disappointing seasons, fans are hoping for a change in the scenario for the franchise. If James and superstar teammate Anthony Davis can remain healthy, there is no limit to the team’s ceiling.
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)