Gilbert Arenas Lied About LeBron James’ Gambling Truth, Ex-Lakers Star Claims

Recently, there has been scrutiny on gambling in the NBA, with the recent gambling-related arrests conducted by the FBI. Amidst this noise, a story from Gilbert Arenas about LeBron James resurfaced, and former Los Angeles Lakers player Kwame Brown had things to say.

The interview with Arenas was conducted on DJ Vlad’s show, where he was talking about the 2006 Wizards-Cavaliers series, during which Damon Jones hit a game-winning shot. Arenas said, “

We’re gambling, during the series, right? Not LeBron, but, you know, me, Damon Jones, Larry Hughes. Like, we’re at LeBron’s place. We’re gambling, right?” He described the scene as casual. “

He had a penthouse condo. He had all the floors, right? So we’re going there watching game tape, just vibing,” Arenas continued.

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Kwame Brown reacted to this clip with skepticism, saying, “During the playoff series, they’re supposed to be at war,” Brown said. “

This is supposed to be Sparta. They’re supposed to be real deal Holyfield. This for all the marbles. Why is there no war?”

He turned his attention to Arenas’ version of events, adding that the story didn’t add up, “

Now, I can’t prove LeBron James was gambling. But, like, why would you lie about that?” Brown said. “Almost every player gambled. Especially if a player is going to allow that at their house. I’m going to allow gambling at my house, but I’m not going to gamble? That don’t even make sense
.”

Brown doubled down, adding that though he wasn’t directly accusing the Lakers forward, he questioned the logic behind the described scenario. “Why would I tell people to come to my house and gamble if I don’t gamble?

” he said. “Come to my house and drink, everybody come get drunk, and I ain’t going to drink. That don’t even make sense.”

These comments come at a time when gambling in the NBA has become a sensitive topic following several league and even a federal investigation in 2024 and 2025. So far, there’s no evidence linking LeBron James to misconduct.

Gilbert Arenas Laughs Off Gambling Allegations, Calls Claims ‘Stupid’

Gilbert Arenas has never been one to shy away from controversy, and, apart from the LeBron James story, used his appearance on DJ Vlad’s show to

address the gambling charges looming over him. He said, “Can I ask you something, Vlad? You live in Hollywood. You’ve heard of poker games. The Israelis – would they have someone like me in their group?
” he said, laughing off the suggestion that he had been part of any organized operation.

Bildnummer: 12291311 Datum: 13.01.2013 Copyright: imago/ImaginechinaGilbert Arenas of the Shanghai Sharks looks on during the warm-up session before the 22th round match against the Xinjiang Flying Tigers during the 2012/2013 CBA season in Shanghai, China, 13 January 2013. Shanghai Sharks new-signing Gilbert Arenas led his team to another win at home on Sunday (13 January 2013) after defeating the visiting Xinjiang Flying Tigers. The former NBA Basketball Herren USA star gained 37 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assist to help Shanghai Sharks beat Xinjiang 107-104 in the 22nd round of the 2012/2013 CBA season. Gilbert Arenas leads Shanghai to another win at home PUBLICATIONxINxGERxONLY 20130113_10314; Basketball China Porträt x0x xac 2013 querImage number 12291311 date 13 01 2013 Copyright imago Imaginechina Gilbert Arenas of The Shanghai Sharks looks ON during The warm Up Session Before The 22th Round Match Against The Xinjiang Flying Tigers during The 2012 2013 CBA Season in Shanghai China 13 January 2013 Shanghai Sharks New Signing Gilbert Arenas LED His team to Another Win AT Home ON Sunday 13 January 2013 After defeating The Visiting Xinjiang Flying Tigers The Former NBA Basketball men USA Star gained 37 Points 4 Rebounds and 4 Assist to Help Shanghai Sharks Beat Xinjiang 107 104 in The 22nd Round of The 2012 2013 CBA Season Gilbert Arenas leads Shanghai to Another Win AT Home PUBLICATIONxINxGERxONLY Basketball China Portrait x0x 2013 horizontal

The former All-Star took issue with how his name has been tied to the alleged operation. He told Vlad that he was considering whether these reports could be classified as defamation: “

I’m wondering if there’s defamation because of how you’re making it seem. I don’t think that’s fair. You can’t use my name to put a case out there with these types of claims. At the end of this, I should be able to sue for defamation
.” But even in frustration, he couldn’t resist a grin. “But it is the government. It is the government (and) they can do what the f— they want to do
,” he added, shaking his head.

Arenas also clarified that he had never manipulated any poker games. “I’ve never thrown a poker game,” the ex-Wizards star stated firmly. “

The idea of it just seems stupid to me. You give out a whole bunch of markers. These broke people owe you money. Now what you got to go do? Chasing?… I f—— play, lose my money, and get the f—on. That’s it. I’m the mark. I’m the fish there
.” His point was simple: if gambling existed, he was a participant, not a mastermind.

Warriors Urged To Target $175 Million Superstar Forward By Colin Cowherd

The 2025-26 Golden State Warriors

have been built on a veteran core. Steve Kerr’s leading stars are Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Al Horford, all of whom are on the wrong side of 30.

There’s no doubt that Steve Kerr’s roster will be a threat in the Western Conference. They have exceptional experience across the team, a superstar point guard, and some young, upcoming talent in

Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski.

However, Fox Sports’ Collin Cowherd believes that building around some of the league’s elder statesmen will ensure the Warriors struggle to secure a championship. As such, he thinks the Warriors should do everything in their power to secure Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline.

“I would trade Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, and four first-round picks for Giannis and see if it’s enough,” Cowherd said. “…Steve Kerr’s too smart to think that, yeah, these old guys— I don’t buy it. I think Warriors tickets are expensive; as long as Steph’s around, they’re fun. The West is young, athletic on the wing, great rim protectors everywhere.”

Cowherd’s trade proposal for Giannis would likely fall short of what the Milwaukee Bucks would be looking for. However, if the Warriors were willing to include additional young talent such as Podziemski,

Moses Moody, or even Trayce Jackson-Davis, a deal could be agreed.

Giannis Would Thrive Next To Stephen Curry

We’ve already seen how well Butler fits next to Curry, primarily due to the veteran forward’s ability to capitalize on the space Curry’s movement creates. In theory, Giannis could do the same. His style is similar to Butler’s in that he’s at his best downhill and can use his penetration to manipulate defenses and create for shooters on the perimeter.

Giannis is also a blur in transition, and can be unstoppable when building up steam on full-court darts to the rim. With both Green and Horford on the floor, Giannis would have elite defenders around him, too. Both veteran forwards can also space the floor on the perimeter and create out of multiple scenarios.

A star pairing of Giannis and Curry would undoubtedly catapult the Warriors into championship contention. Nevertheless, Milwaukee will likely do everything in its power to resist the temptation to cash in on its two-time MVP.

Giannis Is Unlikely To Join The Warriors

When speaking with Eric Nehm of The Athletic, following reports that the New York Knicks were at the top of Giannis’ preferred destinations, he reiterated his commitment to the Bucks.

“When the season starts, I try to get off social media and I try to focus on my craft and the team, but yeah, I’ve said many times, I want to be in a situation that I can win and now I’m here. I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates,” Antetokounmpo said. “…So all the extra stuff does not matter. I think I’ve communicated with my teammates, communicated with the people I respect and love that the moment I step on this court or in this facility, I wear this jersey, the rest does not matter.”

Golden State has looked to begin the season. They should be in no rush to make any significant moves. The current roster is more than good enough to contend for a championship. However, if the team falls short this season, the Warriors should certainly explore what it would take to bring him to the Bay Area next summer.

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