Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas has voiced strong skepticism about LeBron James' decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers, publicly questioning the move and humorously speculating that James' wife, Savannah, did not approve. Arenas shared his reaction in a video posted on X.
"This doesn’t look right, I’m sorry," Arenas stated in the video. "I know (wife) Savannah (James) didn’t approve this. Nobody approves of going to Philly."
James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, has reportedly opted to move East and potentially conclude his career in Philadelphia. He posted on X that the decision was personal, driven by his desire to compete and win, rather than by financial or familial considerations.
"This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for a family," James wrote. "What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning."
James also indicated that he had seriously considered retiring after the 2025-26 season but recently reaffirmed his passion for the game.
Arenas also made light of the statues of past 76ers legends displayed outside the team's practice facility in New Jersey, referring to them as "little a– statues." He mentioned that players like Julius Erving, Wilt Chamberlain, Charles Barkley, and Maurice Cheeks are represented, with Allen Iverson receiving the most recent statue in 2024.
"Congratulations, but I’m booing," Arenas concluded in his video.
Arenas's commentary may also stem from his prior belief about James's potential destination. He mentioned speaking with Giannis Antetokounmpo at Fanatics Fest, where Antetokounmpo expressed confidence that James would join the Miami Heat.
Arenas and James have a limited relationship, primarily from their time scrimmaging together for Team USA. They faced each other multiple times during their careers, including a 2006 playoff series where James's Cavaliers defeated Arenas's Wizards.