Reports that LeBron James felt snubbed when Rob Pelinka handed the game ball to JJ Redick for his 100th coaching win instead of giving it to James for breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for the most wins in NBA history have stirred debate across the basketball world.
Gilbert Arenas Tears Into LeBron James Over Reported Game Ball Snub
Reacting to the reports on his show, former three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas mocked the idea that James would be upset over not receiving the game ball.
“What record was it? He breaks a record every godd*mn game. How many balls does the n***a need? Just pick one. It doesn’t matter which Lakers ball you grab, you broke a record on it. Grab it. Just grab the whole damn tray and then write whatever you want on it because obviously you got a record on it,” Arenas said.
However, when informed that James had actually broken the NBA’s all-time wins record with his 1,229th victory, Arenas appeared briefly surprised before adding that he was sure the four-time NBA champion would have only found it after the incident.
However, according to the report from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James viewed the incident as another example of “the Lakers taking him for granted” and reportedly left the arena “simmering” over the perceived slight.
The situation may have stung even more, given James’ evolving role throughout the season. After the Lakers acquired Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks last season and with Austin Reaves continuing to develop, James often operated as the team’s third option offensively in 2025-26.
But whenever either Dončić or Reaves was unavailable, James stepped up. And when both missed time late in the season, he assumed a larger role and helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a first-round playoff series victory over the Houston Rockets.
The Lakers’ postseason run eventually ended in a sweep against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and James is now set to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason. That has fueled growing speculation about both his future with the Lakers and his retirement.
James has remained tight-lipped about his plans, while Pelinka recently stated that the organization is giving him the freedom to decide his future alongside his family.
If retirement is not seriously under consideration, a return to the Lakers still appears the most likely outcome, though a reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers cannot be completely ruled out.
