Gilbert Arenas calls out double standards in expectations of LeBron James at 40 compared to Michael Jordan: 'Pretending like he's 20'

Gilbert Arenas criticized people for holding on LeBron James on a different level than Michael Jordan as a 40-year-old player. The former star of the Washington Wizards, who played with him six times N.B.A champion and also faced the LA Lakers superstar as an opponent, expressed his displeasure with people trying to set unrealistic expectations for James.

A clip from his Gil's Arena show shared Thursday on X (formerly Twitter) shows Arenas sparring with 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 very happy to see a 40-year-old go out there averaging 20 (points per game). Why (are) they putting so much effort in trying to knock LeBron off for just playing at 40. We're pretending he's 20. We're pretending he's 22 or 23. He's expected to win the championship 40 years old! He's older than Shams (Charania)!” Arenas said.

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

“You came here when my man was still alive and said, 'Hey, are you sure you're up for this challenge?' You're expected to win every year.'' So when you don't, how do we look at you?'' McCants said passionately.

After winning his last NBA Championship in 2020, the LA Lakers they have tried to return to the top of the league without success. They sit sixth in the Western Conference standings (20-16), but nothing suggests they can make a deep playoff run this year.

LeBron James continues to prove he still got it with a two-handed dunk

LeBron James is not your average 40-year-old athlete or even person. 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 took a pass from Max Christie, 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 biggest moments of the night. He finished the game with 18 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in 35 minutes. LeBron James and the Lakers return to court on Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena.