With great expectations comes great scrutiny. The league’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron James, still has to deal with some doubters. While some criticize him in the greatest of all time (GOAT) debate, others point to?The King‘s extended dominance as the separator. James himself joined the debate recently. The 4-time NBA champion claimed he would be just as dominant if he never went to Miami. His statement recently found further support from 2003’s Most Improved Player, Gilbert Arenas.
Showing his support for James, Arenas dropped some major facts on the recent episode of ‘Gil’s Arena’.
What is Gilbert Arenas’ idea on LeBron’s career without the Heat?
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The 19-time All-Star won his first championship ring with the Miami Heat. He was the shining star of the Big Three alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. In 2012, they won the Finals against the OKC Thunder. The following year, the trio triumphed over the San Antonio Spurs, with James scoring 37 points in Game 7 to clinch the title.
Then he went on to win his 3rd title with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and his 4th, with the Lakers in 2020 Following the 4-time NBA MVP’s claim on X, Gilbert Arenas addressed the same question in his show.
Reaffirming James’ statement, the Washington Wizards legend said, “They say if LeBron didn’t go to Miami he wouldn’t win. You’re wrong because he already had a crew that was following. They were going to come, to move just- Cleveland didn’t want to pay.”
Agent Zero?clapped back at the critics of James’ move to South Beach in 2010. He claimed that stars were already willing to come and play with the King, but the Cavaliers were unwilling to pay big money to attract big stars.
Arenas further stated that the franchise was already attracting older talent who wanted to be on the same team as LeBron James. “Antwan Jameson went there. Shaquille O’Neal went there,??recalled Gilbert Arenas.
Furthermore, with James’ longevity, his career would be Hall of Fame worthy even without the stint in Miami. After all,?The King is going strong even in his late 30s.
During the recent Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers matchup, James acknowledged the valuable experience gained during his four-year stint with the Heat.
LeBron James is confident of his prowess and legacy
While James recognized the Heat as a top-tier franchise, he believes that he would have still dominated in the league without the Heat culture.
Reaffirming his statement, LeBron James took to X, and wrote, “You damn right I would still be! I?m CHOSEN! Ain?t nothing changing that! Maybe less (ring emoji referring to the championship) but DOMINANT from start to finish.?
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You damn right I would still be! I’m CHOSEN! Ain’t nothing changing that! Maybe less 💍’s but DOMINANT from start to finish 👑 https://t.co/vZUH3b1pCn
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 8, 2023
The proof might be in the pudding. Last night, the 38-year-old dropped 32 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists?in a tight win over the Phoenix Suns. Gilbert Arenas’ comment was just one among the myriad supportive comments on social media.?
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Watch This Story: NBA Analyst Thrashes LeBron James? Agent Rich Paul?s Comments on Pressure of ?Following? Michael Jordan: ?He Had to Follow Magic (Johnson)?
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.