Gilbert Arenas recently discussed the double standard in the NBA community towards 40-year-old LeBron James and 40-year-old Michael Jordan, sparking a heated debate. In his podcast, Arenas defended James, stating that he is still performing at an elite level in his 22nd season in the NBA, and that the expectations placed on this Los Angeles Lakers star are unrealistic.
"Jordan was averaging over 20 points when he was with the Wizards. That's impressive. But the best player at 40 is LeBron, second best is Michael Jordan. Yet, they had no expectations for Jordan; they were happy to see a 40-year-old player on the court, averaging 20 points. So why, when LeBron is on the court at 40, do they act like he's only 20?"
Arenas emphasized the respect given to Jordan's performance with the Washington Wizards at age 40. At that time, Jordan averaged 20.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, with a shooting percentage of 44.5% and a three-point percentage of just 29.1%. These statistics were celebrated as proof of his long career and status.
However, LeBron James' statistics at the same age are significantly better. James averages 23.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.8 assists, with a shooting percentage of 50.7% and a three-point percentage of 38.6%. Despite these incredible performances, he still faces constant criticism rather than appreciation for his individual talent.
LeBron James' dominance at 40 is unparalleled in NBA history. On his better days, James easily ranks among the top ten players in the league, and when he's at his peak, he can be considered one of the top five. The 40-year-old Michael Jordan never came close to the top ten during his time with the Wizards. This difference highlights that James has a greater influence compared to Jordan in their respective final stages.
Arenas pointed out that while the NBA world celebrates Jordan's ability to remain competitive at 40, it demands that James dominate at the same age, which shows a clear bias.
LeBron James has always been a polarizing figure, receiving significant attention throughout his career. From comparisons with Jordan to debates about his Finals record, James faces criticism that few players in history could endure. Arenas believes that this unfairness extends to James' later years, where his endurance and continued excellence should be celebrated instead of criticized. His lengthy career, talent, and impact may lead history to view him as one of the greatest examples of sustained excellence in professional sports.
What are your thoughts on LeBron James' performance at 40?
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