LeBron James has been recognized as a highly motivated and competitive player throughout his career. When facing opponents or critics, he frequently uses his on-court accomplishments and criticism as fuel to succeed.?LeBron, for instance, received heavy flack for leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat in 2010. While playing for the Heat, he openly acknowledged the ‘villain’ persona that the media had given him and used it as fuel. He eventually made a comeback with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 and helped lead the team to its first NBA championship in 2016, ostensibly motivated by a desire to bring success to his hometown.

So, when someone taunts his teammate, he can’t just let it go, can he? An NBA veteran recently revealed a humbling encounter with LeBron James after he taunted LeBron’s teammate.

LeBron James humbles his former-teammate

Gilbert Arenas recently appeared on an episode of the ‘VladTV’ podcast where he revealed an incident that took place in the opening round of the 2006 NBA finals. The Cleveland Cavaliers played against the Washington Wizards and LeBron attempted to distract Arenas on his two free throw attempts in this game by whispering something in his ear. This was an incident that was widely noticed by fans. However, no one knew what transpired.

Gil revealed that he used to gamble with several other athletes at LeBron’s luxury apartment. When they weren’t playing, they would hang out and watch game tapes. He explained that even though they were rivals throughout the playoffs, hanging out with LeBron was not unusual for him as they were once teammates. So, while they gambled, they would bet on playing Blu-ray. Unfortunately for LeBron’s teammate, Damon Jones, he had lost quite a few times and he ended up owing $35 to Gilbert Arenas. This was a year before the iconic showdown.

With this leverage over him, Gil would often taunt Damon and go, “The landlord is here, I want my rent money.” He even used to yell this at Damon during games, not accepting payment from him just to torture him. So, get this. Gilbert Arena had been taunting LeBron’s teammate for months. Did LeBron let it slide? No. He avenged his teammate Damon Jones in the best way possible.

Arenas said, “So during that series…I’ll tell the coach, ‘Hey, that man owes me money. Coach you put him in, one four flat, I’m gonna f*****g destroy him.’ Now I said I’m the landlord, that tenant owes me money.? You think about putting that tenant in the f*****g game I’m destroying him.” And so began Damon Jones getting benched and not setting foot on the floor. And Gil would just laugh at him. But how long could this go on?

During game 6, they made a comeback. Gil makes the shot to get his team in overtime. And as he was on the brink of tasting victory, LeBron whispered something in Gil’s ear. LeBron tried to get on his nerves by stating that if he missed this shot, Damon Jones will get subbed in. However, Gil refused to believe LeBron as he didn’t think Jones would get the ball. Gil and his team remained focused on LeBron.

Unfortunately for Gil, he should have just trusted LeBron. LeBron dribbled to the left and passed it to Jones who made a jumper shot. He said, “Out of all people on that f*****g team that you had to put in and not the goddamn tenant that I’ve been f*****g trolling for the last two years.”?

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And all of this for $35!

LeBron James dominated the Wizards in the playoffs

Gilbert Arenas’ deadly talent and LeBron’s burgeoning stardom clashed in the highly anticipated first-round NBA playoff game between the Washington Wizards and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2006. Although the series was a great battle, LeBron’s domination ultimately proved too much for the Wizards to overcome. LeBron’s determination to make an impact in the playoffs was clear from the start.

Two outstanding performances highlight his dominance in the series. He scored 41 points in Game 3, forcing the Wizards to search for defense against his unrelenting barrage of points. Not satisfied with that, LeBron outdid himself in Game 4, scoring an astounding 45 points against the Wizards’ defense.

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Although the Wizards fought bravely, they were no match for a rising LeBron James. He was practically unstoppable on the floor. Despite Gilbert Arenas’ best efforts and the competitive spirit of the Wizards, LeBron’s overwhelming dominance won the series in the end. In addition to helping the Cavaliers win, LeBron’s efforts during the early 2000s cemented his place as one of the NBA’s most formidable players.

What are your thoughts on LeBron James defending the poor tenant and blasting the Wizards to win? Let us know in the comments below!