NBA superstar Gilbert Arenas says Jayson Tatum will become the NBA's next villain or hero after LeBron James' retirement - "When LeBron is gone, [Tatum] is next!"

As LeBron James approaches the end of his legendary NBA career, discussions about who will fill the void he leaves behind are heating up. Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas believes Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is next in line to shoulder the immense pressure of being the league’s central figure—both in terms of stardom and media scrutiny.

Gilbert Arenas explains why Jayson Tatum will face the media spotlight

On his podcast Gil’s Arena, Gilbert Arenas didn’t mince words about Jayson Tatum’s future role. “When Bron’s gone and they done whooping his (expletive) and all that… You next,” Arenas said, pointing to Tatum as the player who will dominate headlines. “Because that’s where the ratings gonna be.”

Arenas argued that Tatum fits the mold of a superstar the media loves to elevate—and criticize. “The only person who is at that level, that they can sit there and talk (expletive) about,” he added. According to the former Washington Wizards guard, the NBA lacks polarizing figures right now, making Tatum the prime candidate for intense coverage.

“When LeBron is gone and [the media] is done whipping his a**, [Tatum] is next.”

- Gilbert Arenas

(🎥 @GilsArenaShow )

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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 14, 2025

“At this moment in time, there is nobody the NBA media actually hates or wants to go against for ratings. They’re not going to go against Wemby (Victor Wembanyama), they’re not going against Steph (Curry). They’re not going against these young guys,” Gilbert Arenas explained.

Jayson Tatum’s resume invites both praise and criticism

Tatum is undeniably one of the NBA’s elite players, leading a historic franchise like the Boston Celtics . However, Arenas pointed out that certain aspects of his career make him a target for media scrutiny. Despite winning an NBA title last season, Tatum wasn’t named Finals MVP. His limited role with Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics also drew some criticism.

“Anybody that they say it’s the next Michael Jordan, is who gets the hate,” Arenas said. When asked who filled that role before LeBron James, he immediately named Kobe Bryant. “Whoever gets close to the crown,” Arenas added, implying Tatum is next in line for both admiration and backlash.

The debate over the NBA’s next face

The conversation about who will succeed LeBron James as the league’s marquee star has been ongoing. While names like Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards are frequently mentioned, Arenas has consistently backed Tatum for the role.

Weeks earlier, Arenas had already declared, “Jayson Tatum is the face of the league.” He elaborated, “When you talk about him negative, compared to his actual resume… He is the face because we pretend his resume is not his resume. So, we want to tear him down.”

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As LeBron’s retirement looms, Tatum’s career will be under an even brighter spotlight. Whether he thrives under that pressure or buckles under the weight of expectations remains to be seen—but according to Gilbert Arenas, there’s no avoiding it.