Gilbert Arenas calls out double standards in LeBron James’ expectations aged 40 compared to Michael Jordan: “Pretending like he’s 20”

Gilbert Arenas criticized people for holding LeBron James to a different standard than Michael Jordan when he was a 40-year-old player. The former Washington Wizards star, who played with the six-time NBA champion and also faced the LA Lakers superstar as an opponent, expressed his discomfort with people trying to set unrealistic expectations for James.

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

“Nobody gave it to Michael Jordan; they didn’t expect anything from him, they were just very happy to see a 40-year-old guy go out and average 20 (points per game). Why are they trying so hard? about trying to take down LeBron alone for playing at 40. We’re pretending he’s 20. We’re pretending he’s 22 or 23. He’s expected to win the championship! He’s 40! He’s older than Shams (Charania)!” Arenas said.

On the other hand, McCants said that considering his resume and the franchise he plays for, LeBron James is expected to win a championship regardless of his age. He even included Kobe Bryant in the conversation.

“You came here when my man was still alive and he said to me, ‘Hey, are you sure you’re up for this challenge? You’re expected to win every year.’ So when you don’t, how are we going to look at you? No! “We are complying!” McCants said passionately.

After winning their last NBA championship in 2020, the LA Lakers have tried to return to the top of the league without success. They sit in sixth place in the Western Conference standings (20-16), but nothing suggests they can go far in the playoffs this year.

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

LeBron James is neither an athlete nor a regular 40-year-old. The four-time NBA champion sent social media into a frenzy on Tuesday with a big play against the Dallas Mavericks. After Rui Hachimura missed a 3-pointer, James received Max Christie’s pass, attacked the rim and dunked the ball over a much younger Dereck Lively III.

Although the Lakers were dominated by the Mavs 118-97, James starred in one of the most important 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 the court Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena.