Gilbert Arenas calls out double standards in expectations of LeBron James at 40 compared to Michael Jordan: “He’s pretending to be 20”

Gilbert Arenas criticized people for their posture LeBron James a different standard than Michael Jordan as a 40-year-old player. Former star of the Washington Wizards, who played with six times NBA champion and also faced the LA Lakers superstar as an opponent, he expressed discomfort with people trying to place unrealistic expectations on James.

A clip of his Gil’s Arena show shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday shows Arenas discussing co-host Rashad McCants and calling out the double standards fans have for James and Jordan.

“No one gave Michael Jordan — they didn’t expect anything from him, they were so happy to see a 40-year-old go out there and average 20 (points per game). Why are they (putting) so much effort into trying to take LeBron down because he’s only playing 40 age. We pretend he’s 22 or 23. He’s 40 years old (Charania)!” Arenas said.

On the other hand, McCants said that given his resume and the franchise he plays for, LeBron James is expected to bring championships regardless of his age. He even brought Kobe Bryant into the conversation.

“You came here while my man was still alive and said ‘Hey, are you sure you’re up for this challenge? You’re going to be expected to win every year.’ So if you don’t have it, the way we see you, we don’t deliver!” McCants said passionately.

After winning their last NBA title in 2020, LA Lakers they tried unsuccessfully to return to the top of the league. They sit sixth in the Western Conference standings (20-16), but there is no indication that they can make a deep run in the playoffs this year.

LeBron James continues to show that he still has it down with the emphatic two-handed dunk

LeBron James is no ordinary 40-year-old athlete or even person. The four-time NBA champion sent social media into a frenzy on Tuesday with a great game against the Dallas Mavericks. After Rui Hachimura missed a 3-pointer, James took a pass from Max Christie, attacked the rim and dunked the ball over the much younger Dereck Lively III.

Although the Lakers were dominated by the Mavs 118-97, James starred in one of the biggest moments of the night. He finished that game with 18 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in 35 minutes. LeBron James and the Lakers return to action Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena.