By james art LeBron James continues to defy time as he’s still playing dominant basketball at 22n.d season in his career. Gilbert Arenas tried to deconstruct James’ game to highlight how the four-time NBA champion has avoided his decline in form with age.
He pointed out that the one key factor the 39-year-old uses to outplay his younger opponents is using their youth against them.
“He’s 40. I mean, I still make it look like it’s easy… He’s just smarter now.” Arenas said on his podcast.
James it is often praised for its physique. But it’s safe to say that the 6-foot-9” forward has seen a significant decline in his physicality over the past few years. Arenas believes the King uses another “old man tactic” that Michael Jordan used when he was 40 to continue being an asset to the team.
“MJ, when he was with the Wizards, averaged 20. A dude who really couldn’t jump anymore, but he still gets his shot because he knows, ‘I’m Michael Jordan, you’re going to jump, you’re going to try to do all those extra things, and I’m just going to use your youth against you.'” Arenas claims.
“These 20-23 year olds should be ashamed of themselves.”
LeBron James Arena is still cooking the younger generation at the age of 40. pic.twitter.com/AVMivYZynI
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) October 28, 2024
Jordan, during his time with the Washington Wizards, was not as explosive as his former self. He also doesn’t attack the rim through traffic as much as he did in his younger years. But he was still the Wizards’ best offensive player because of his high basketball IQ, which included simple mid-range jumpers, deceptive fakes and easy drives to the basket.
LeBron also found other ways to be effective. He reduced the number of drive-ins, which allowed him to reduce the chances of getting injured. Instead, he is now often seen settling for long-range shots. Additionally, LBJ also assumed the primary role of playmaker, contributing to the offense as a distributor.
Despite hinting that Bron took a page out of MJ’s book, Agent Zero recently stated that the latter is only relevant in today’s era because of the Lakers superstar.
James keeping Jordan relevant?
Gilbert Arenas’ claim that LeBron James played a huge role in Michael Jordan’s relevance in the current era may come off as inflammatory. But Agent Zero gave his vindication for the theory. James’ detractors point to His Airness to prove that the former is not the undisputed GOAT.
“If you take out all the n***as who are over 60 years old and talking on TV, they would never bring up the issue of Michael Jordan because he’s not real today. He’s real, like we know who he is, but the only people who mention him is when LeBron James’ name is (mentioned). That’s the only reason Michael Jordan is relevant.” Arenas said on Dwight Howard’s podcast.
Arenas is trying to justify LBJ’s greatness, and he’s not wrong. However, the claim that Jordan is irrelevant today is not entirely true. MJ is still lauded for his greatness not only as a basketball player, but as one of the most decorated athletes in all of sports.
Other players around the league also consistently tip their hat to the Bulls legend for making a huge impact on the game as well as their lives.