Kobe Bryant backs Gilbert Arenas’ inclusion in Los Angeles Lakers - NBA Update
One thing that Gilbert Arenas has definitely learned from NBA is that you have to perform consistently throughout your career to make sure the tag of “star” stays with you.
The 30 year old Arenas, who was once a dominant force in the league is now an unknown entity in NBA. On December 9th 2011, he was waived by Orlando Magic with the help of an Amnesty Clause in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement as his performance in the first year with the team was massively disappointing.
Fortunately for him, he is still only 30 and has a lot of basketball left in him. This means that he can still prove to the world that he is not finished yet. In few weeks or months, he probably would be playing alongside the best in the business, Kobe Bryant.
Los Angeles Lakers have shown their interest in acquiring Arenas to add some strength and experience to their bench, which at the moment seems to be a little lacking, especially after Lamar Odom left the franchise.
Kobe Bryant and the other Lakers seem ok with the inclusion of Gilbert in the locker room. When Kobe was asked during team’s practice session about whether Arenas would be welcomed,
"Sure". He said "It certainly wouldn't hurt, that's for sure."
Pau Gasol too had a similar reaction.
"Obviously, whoever they decide to bring in to help, that's (the front office's) decision,” he added. "But if we could have a talented player that can help us and be effective and make a difference, we'll be happy."
Injuries have the prime reason for the downfall of Arenas. He has played only around 70 games in total since 2006-07 season. But it’s not only injuries; his off court activities have also hurt his career terribly.
In 2010, he was banned for 50 games by Washington Wizards for bringing arms into the locker room. His behaviour had never been good with his colleagues either and the gun incident was the last straw. Arena's career has never been the same after that. He hurriedly left the Wizards and even after making it to Magic, below par performances coupled with a bloated contract, just never allowed him to settle.
However, Bryant supported Arenas on this issue as well.
"Everybody makes mistakes," insisted Bryant. "He'll be fine."
Arenas has one last golden chance to not only augment his image but to prove that he still is a talented player. Playing around Kobe, Andrew Bynum and Gasol can help him a lot in achieving this.
The fact that none of them have showed dissent against the decision of including him in the team would suggest that it will be a smooth transition, at least in the locker room.
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