“Go ahead and say it man, ‘I ain’t texting this… that I ain’t playing with. I don’t even know if I’m on this team,’,” Gilbert Arenas said on his podcast. Since the Anthony Davis trade, fans have observed a noticeable reduction in LeBron’s involvement in team decisions. This has prompted speculation that a trade request from him might not be entirely off the table.

Speculation has intensified following a report from NBA insider Brian Windhorst, which revealed a surprising development within the Los Angeles Lakers organization. The front office reportedly informed Luka Doncic about the potential sale of the franchise, while LeBron James was kept out of the loop. This move marks a significant shift in the internal power structure, indicating that James’ influence may no longer serve as the cornerstone for the team’s strategic decisions.

Celtics’ legend Paul Pierce downplays LeBron James not welcoming Deandre Ayton

Although Gilbert sees an obvious hierarchical shift, Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce downplays the case. “LeBron is probably going to retire after this year, right? His whole career, he’s been doing this, texting. He tired of this,” he said, via SPEAK. Moreover, he also mentioned that we lack any context about the greeting, questioning whether LeBron instructed Luka or if there were other circumstances.

At 40, LeBron James has accomplished nearly everything possible in the NBA, cementing his status as a league legend. His legacy with the Los Angeles Lakers remains untouched and enduring, unaffected by any external narratives.

Recently, a leaked video showed James admitting that his wife, Savannah, wishes for him to retire. For that reason, Paul Pierce cautions against overanalyzing Deandre Ayton’s situation, suggesting it’s not as significant as it might seem.

According to Shams Charania, LeBron James is fully focused on maximizing the impact of every remaining season in his illustrious career. His goal is clear: to maintain his competitiveness and stature as a key player on the roster. In response, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly committed to building a formidable team, one that can consistently vie for the championship year after year.

With a near triple-double average and unmatched consistency, the Denver Nuggets superstar continues to redefine what’s possible at the center position. In a recent appearance on Vlad TV, Arenas revealed that if he were to update his list of the five greatest centers in NBA history, he would remove 11-time champion Bill Russell — and insert Nikola Jokic in his place.

“For Jokic? I’m knocking off Bill Russell,” Arenas said. “Let’s just be honest — he played in the ’60s? Yeah, so there were, what, six, seven Black players in the league at that time.”

Arenas‘ logic centers on context. Russell dominated in his era, no question — his Celtics reigned supreme. But Arenas argues that the level of competition and athleticism in Russell’s time simply doesn’t compare to the modern NBA, where Jokić thrives against elite global talent on a nightly basis.

Jokic is not just a dominant big man — he’s revolutionized the center position. A three-time MVP and two-time runner-up, the Serbian superstar is the engine of the Nuggets’ offense, leading the team in scoring, assists, and rebounds. His court vision and basketball IQ have made him arguably the most complete center the league has ever seen.

In contrast, Bill Russell’s greatness was anchored in defense, rebounding, and leadership. He was the heartbeat of the most successful dynasty in NBA history, winning 11 titles in 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics. His intangibles — effort, intelligence, and team-first mentality — remain the gold standard in basketball circles.

But that’s precisely the dividing line in this debate. Jokić, despite his individual dominance, has just one championship — and he’s playing in an era of parity. The league hasn’t seen a true dynasty in nearly a decade, with seven different champions in the last seven seasons. That makes his path steeper and more competitive than those who ruled previous eras.

Whether or not fans agree with Arenas, one thing is clear: Nikola Jokic has forced his way into the conversation. And if his NBA career continues on its current trajectory, there’s a growing case that he may end up on the Mount Rushmore of centers — if not already.

“Seems like they get bored sometimes, I don’t want to say with the process, s**t, they are who they are. You look at Tatum and Brown, this is years, and years, and years, and years, they’ve punched their ten thousand hours. Sometimes it seems like they get a little bored because of how great they are. Not only them two as individuals but them as a team,” stated Lakers player LeBron James on Mind The Game podcast.

Although many interpreted his words as criticism, LeBron actually offered a compliment to the team. The Lakers’ star acknowledged that the roster is full of talent, and he emphasized how good they really are. Moreover, he reinforced a belief that many Celtics fans already share. Especially since the core of their championship-winning roster has remained intact.

Now that Celtics have suffered another early exit, the franchise enters a critical offseason. Once again, questions will rise about the true ceiling of the Tatum-Brown duo. This time, the pressure feels heavier.

NBA insiders report that the franchise may have financial concerns that continue to grow. For that reason, the front office must act decisively. Even so, the team plans to keep its two stars together. As a result, the team could part ways with role players like Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, or Sam Hauser.

Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas questions Jaylen Brown’s ability to lead the offense in the 2025-25 season

With Jayson Tatum sidelined by a torn Achilles, the Boston Celtics need Jaylen Brown to take charge of the offense. Tatum’s recovery could keep him out for the entire next season, making Brown the clear candidate to lead the team. As the Celtics’ second star and a player set to earn $53 million in the 2025–26 season, as per spotrac. Now, Brown faces the responsibility to lead the team.

Nonetheless, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas doubts Jaylen Brown’s ability to do so: “ He (Brown) doesn’t have really the playmaking skills. He’s a slasher-scorer style. I mean he can be Batman some nights, but Batman for the whole season, we haven’t seen that yet.”

Gilbert Arenas’ opinion is gaining momentum among fans, especially those who saw Jayson Tatum left alone on offense. When Tatum was not involved, Brown did not step up. He struggled to create plays and failed to stand out during the series. This does not mean he lacks the talent. However, fans remain skeptical of his capacity to lead the offense.

Multiple people resented that decision, but it only fueled his fire. He ran away with MVP honors at the Jordan Brand Classic during the weekend, giving Syracuse fans a glimpse of what’s to come.

With that in mind, former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, who advocated for Anthony to be an All-American, took to social media to double down on his take after such a big performance.

Gilbert Arenas lauds Kiyan Anthony after winning MVP honors

“Told yall leaving him on That Mcdonalds game was gonna turn him up @kiyananthony jordan Classic MVP aint Done YET 100,” the former star wrote on Intsagram.

Anthony decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and also committed to play at Syracuse. Needless to say, he’ll have some big shoes to fill, as Anthony led them to the title in 2003.

Even if that’s not the case, he’s firmly expected to turn pro after one season, and given his lineage, privileged gene pool, and certified bucket-getting skills, he will most likely be a top-ten draft pick.

“When Bron’s gone and they done whooping his (expletive) and all that… You next,” Gilbert Arenas said on his podcast Gil’s Arena, referring to Tatum as the player most likely to command major media attention. “Because that’s where the ratings gonna be.”

Arenas explained that Jayson fits the profile of the kind of superstar the media tends to elevate—and often scrutinize. “The only person who is at that level, that they can sit there and talk (expletive) about,” he said.

“At this moment in time, there is nobody the NBA media actually hates or wants to go against for ratings. They’re not going to go against Wemby (Victor Wembanyama), they’re not going against Steph (Curry). They’re not going against these young guys,” said the three-time NBA All-Star with the Washington Wizards.

Arenas believes Tatum will have a major role in the NBA

Gilbert Arenas’ reasoning is rooted in the idea that the media will need a new NBA superstar to focus on once LeBron James walks away from the game. And Jayson Tatum seems to check all the boxes to take on that role.

The forward is undeniably one of the league’s brightest stars, playing for a high-profile, high-pressure franchise in Boston. Still, there are a few aspects critics latch onto when it comes to Tatum—like not being named Finals MVP in last season’s title run or his limited participation with Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“Anybody that they say it’s the next Michael Jordan, is who gets the hate,” Arenas explained. When asked by his co-hosts who filled that role before LeBron James, he didn’t hesitate: “Kobe (Bryant). Whoever gets close to the crown.”

Arenas weighs in on Tatum as the NBA’s next face

For months, the debate has centered on who will step into the role of the NBA’s face—not just replacing LeBron James, but also Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, once their careers are over. Many point to names like Victor Wembanyama or Anthony Edwards, but Jayson Tatum is firmly in that conversation as well.

Gilbert Arenas had already made his position clear when asked who would succeed LeBron James in that spotlight. “Jayson Tatum is the face of the league,” he said a few weeks ago. “When you talk about him negative, compared to his actual resume… He is the face because we pretend his resume is not his resume. So, we want tear him down.”

“Just as a basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks I’m sorry to tell you you failed the assignment last night…They’re screaming another name in here, they’ve got flags all through the m*** f****. It wasn’t an American flag, it wasn’t a Dallas, Texas flag, it was his country flag. It was your chance, your spotlight to show the Dallas Maverick fans you ain’t no bum, you’re going to bring them something, and nobody even noticed you,” stated Gilbert Arenas on ‘The Gil’s Arena podcast’.

Anthony Davis played 33 minutes and finished with 13 points, 6 assists, and 11 rebounds. He showed once again that he has not fully recovered his level after the long injury. His timing looked off, and he struggled to impact the game consistently on both ends. It was also his first game against the Lakers, since he missed the previous one due to injury.

Mavs fans were expecting much more from the player who is now their star. Instead, they witnessed their former idol score 45 points wearing the Lakers jersey. That contrast hit hard and left many questioning Davis’ current form.

Was it a mistake for the Dallas Mavericks to rush Anthony Davis back from injury?

Anthony Davis’ injury came at a terrible time. He was finally adapting to his new team and playing his best basketball. Then, just as momentum built, he suffered a major setback. The injury kept him off the court for an extended stretch. Even so, his drive to prove himself and help the team pushed him to return early. He ignored the original recovery timeline and made a quicker comeback than expected.

There is no major concern about a reinjury right now. His minutes are under strict control, and the medical team continues to monitor his progress. However, fans are still waiting for the dominant version of Davis they saw before the injury. That will not happen immediately. He needs time on the floor to get back to full strength. Only then can he return to peak form next season.

Still, fans pressure could influence his future with the franchise. If results continue to disappoint, the team might rethink its long-term direction. That shift could affect Davis’ place in the project. For now, he needs the fans to stay patient. If they give him time, he will likely return to form next NBA season. What they should not expect is for him to dominate in this postseason. His recent performances show he is still not at that level.

“You bring Jimmy Butler over to be the second option and you see Steph struggling and you don’t take on the heavy load, it’s really concerning,” said Gilbert Arenas on the latest episode of his podcast, Gil’s Arena.

These harsh words came after the Warriors’ tough 106-96 loss to the Houston Rockets at Chase Center on Sunday. There, Curry was far from the level he had shown in previous games, scoring only 3 points with an unusually low shooting efficiency. In that context, Butler also struggled, contributing just 13 points.

“This is one of those games where you’re supposed to be doing you,” Arenas said about Butler. “You get all the way to the paint, 90% of every time you drive it’s pass… So if you ever paid attention, no one’s actually guarding you like that. Do you think you can turn it on in the last five minutes? That’s cool, we know you do that. But the other 43 actually do matter.”

Arenas believes Curry will need help in the playoffs

While the Warriors have undeniably improved with Jimmy Butler, Gilbert Arenas believes the forward still needs to do more to meet the team’s needs. This will become even clearer when the Western Conference playoffs arrive.

“I don’t know what you’re waiting for and I don’t know if you think you can turn it on in the playoffs and just be a super aggressive person,” Arenas said about Butler. “Right now, you’re exhausting Steph at this point. To the point where he might not even be fully energized for the playoffs.”

The Warriors cannot afford to relax right now

Beyond Gilbert Arenas’ opinion on Jimmy Butler’s role, there’s one valid point: right now, the Golden State Warriors cannot afford to save any effort. Despite their impressive comeback in recent months, they are still far from securing a spot in the NBA playoffs.

The Western Conference has just four games left in the regular season, and the standings are tight. Currently, four teams are tied for fourth place with a record of 46-32: the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Memphis Grizzlies. Just one game ahead are the Denver Nuggets. With this scenario, the battle to avoid the play-in tournament will continue until the very end.

During a candid appearance on VladTV, Arenas echoed LeBron’s recent remarks, suggesting that the 2003 NBA Draft may have been orchestrated to ensure that James landed with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers. For both stars, it’s not necessarily about hard evidence—but about understanding how business operates behind closed doors in the NBA.

“Hey, a business is a business, right?” Arenas said. “I mean, it’s a business. Let’s just be honest. I can’t say if this is a real thing, but if I’m in charge, I have 30 owners that I’m supposed to make happy, right?”

He continued by drawing parallels between league commissioners and corporate CEOs: “When you’re talking about Roger Goodell and all them, they actually work for the owners. And the NBA is a club—no different than Soho Club—and it’s a club I’m selling you on. Which means I’ve got to make sure everyone’s needs are being met.”

“At the end of the day, everyone eats according to their business model. Sure, there are bigger fish in the club, but the little fish aren’t going to starve.” Gilbert said.

Arenas on LeBron, Cleveland, and the business of big-time trades

Arenas didn’t miss the opportunity to weigh in on the importance of LeBron’s arrival in Cleveland—an event that not only altered the franchise’s future but also shaped the trajectory of the modern NBA.

“Sometimes you might have to sacrifice a star or two to move them elsewhere, so we can spotlight another star in this team, in this era,” Arenas said. “Then I can bring in outside endorsements, which feeds everybody. It’s the business behind the sport.”

He pointed specifically to the context of Cleveland’s situation in 2003: “If you’ve got a city like Cleveland with the No. 1 player in the country sitting in their backyard—and that city’s been suffering, the franchise has been loyal, the owner hasn’t really complained—then hey, if the ball bounces to Cleveland, it bounces to Cleveland. I’d make that happen.”

LeBron’s subtle but sharp comment on the lottery

James initially sparked the debate during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, where he joked—but not without intent: “During the lottery drop, Cleveland got the No. 1 pick, and I don’t think that was an accident,” he said with a knowing smile.

Though said in jest, the remark reignited longstanding theories about the NBA’s role in shaping narratives that extend beyond the court.

During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, defending LeBron’s decision. The former NBA point guard compared it to a father hiring his son in a family business before he’s fully prepared for the role. “Let’s just be honest, every parent would’ve [done] the same thing… What LeBron [James] did, every parent would have,” Arenas said.

So far this season, Bronny has played in 23 games for the Lakers, coming off the bench in limited minutes—an expected role for a second-round pick. In his rookie campaign, the 20-year-old guard is averaging 2.3 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game.

However, his performance in the G League has been much more promising. Through 11 games, Bronny is averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 44.3% from the field and 38.0% from three-point range. These numbers indicate that his development is progressing, even if his NBA impact remains minimal for now.

The Lakers’ investment in Bronny: Basketball decision or business move?

The Lakers‘ decision to draft Bronny was not just about basketball—it also carried significant business implications. LeBron’s well-documented desire to play alongside his son has drawn global attention, making their pairing one of the biggest storylines of the season.

Beyond the sentimental value, the move has proven to be a financial win for the Lakers. The father-son duo has driven merchandise sales, boosted ticket revenue, and increased TV ratings, further solidifying the Lakers’ brand. Additionally, keeping LeBron satisfied as he approaches the final stretch of his career could benefit the franchise in future negotiations.

What’s next for Bronny?

While the business benefits are undeniable, the real question remains: Do the Lakers see Bronny as a key piece of their future, or was this move more about LeBron’s influence? His continued development in the G League suggests he has the potential to carve out an NBA role, but his long-term fit with the Lakers is still uncertain.

If Bronny continues to improve, he could prove that his place in the league isn’t just about his last name but about his talent. Over time, the Lakers will have to decide whether he’s truly a part of their long-term plans—or if his selection was always more about the business side of basketball.

“There are just certain cities the market itself can’t sustain a certain amount of players that’s making that type of money,” said Gilbert Arenas on his podcast Gil’s Arena, speaking about Milwaukee and the uncertainty surrounding Lillard’s situation, along with the need to bring in quality players to replace him.

“The best thing they can do is send Giannis to the only place that can change their franchise a little bit, OKC,” Arenas shockingly proposed, suggesting that the power forward leave the Bucks to join the Oklahoma City Thunder. “I’ll give you Giannis, give me some of those picks and some of that, and come on.”

The three-time NBA All-Star with the Washington Wizards later explained that, in his opinion, only a trade like that would allow Milwaukee to rebuild its roster. “The only thing that’s going to build the franchise is trying to get some of those draft picks.”

He reiterated that the Bucks’ difficulties are primarily due to the city in which the franchise is based. “No free agents are going to come there… If this was New York’s team, I can bring on two more superstars and be fine.”

The Bucks need Giannis now more than ever

As tempting as Gilbert Arenas’ proposal may sound—pairing Giannis Antetokounmpo with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Oklahoma City—it’s unlikely that anyone in Milwaukee would agree to a trade of that nature. On the contrary, without Damian Lillard, the Bucks will need to place their hopes squarely on the Greek forward more than ever.

Giannis has proven time and again to be an absolutely decisive player, with two league MVP awards, a Finals MVP, and nine consecutive NBA All-Star selections. His versatility makes him an essential player for the Bucks: he was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 while also being a feared offensive weapon. In fact, this season, Antetokounmpo ranks second in points per game with 30.2, only surpassed by Shai.

Milwaukee will miss Lillard

The loss of Damian Lillard is a major blow for the Bucks. The 34-year-old point guard will miss the rest of the season due to a blood clot in his right calf, an injury similar to the one that sidelined San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama a few weeks ago (though it was in a different part of the body).

With the confirmation of the season-ending injury, Lillard shared a message dedicated to the fans. “As much as I love basketball, I need to be there for my kids and my family. I’m grateful the Bucks acted quickly on this. They’ve been supportive and proactive throughout this process. I look forward to moving past this and continuing my career,” Damian said.

“Yeah, he deserved it that first week when he sold $50 million worth of jerseys,” he said on his Gil’s Arena podcast. Then, eliciting laughter from his fellow hosts, the former Washington Wizards guard added: “He paid for his father’s contract!”

Indeed, sales of Los Angeles Lakers jerseys with the number 9 on the back and the name “James Jr.” were a massive success. By the end of 2024, more than 500,000 jerseys had been sold, breaking the rookie sales record, which, ironically, was previously held by LeBron James.

“What the (expletive) are we talking about? This is a business too,” Arenas said. “We’re talking about a 55th pick selling $50 million worth of jerseys. He’s good in the Lakers’ eyes. Whatever this kid wants, he’s got. He paid for his father’s contract in a week. It’s about business, man.”

Arenas has defended Bronny before

This isn’t the first time Gilbert Arenas has highlighted the positive impact Bronny James has had for the Lakers during his rookie season. A couple of weeks ago, the three-time NBA All-Star assured that if the young guard had more court time, his performance would be even better.

“If they played him 36 minutes, he would be averaging 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists,” Arenas said on his podcast. Those numbers come from multiplying the stats Bronny had at the time by the same proportion as his minutes played. “He’d be top 5 for Rookie of the Year,” he concluded.

Bronny James is finding his best version

Bronny James’ performance of 39 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in 38 minutes against the Santa Cruz Warriors on Monday night was the best he’s had since joining the G-League with the South Bay Lakers. However, this is not the only accomplishment he has achieved recently.

Last Thursday, he also had his best performance in the NBA, posting 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists in 30 minutes during the Lakers’ game against the Milwaukee Bucks, which even earned him praise from head coach J.J. Redick.

And this week, after shining with South Bay, Bronny received a seven-word message of congratulations from his father, LeBron James, who on his official X account wrote: “SMILE THROUGH IT ALL YOUNG! KEEP GOING!!!”