Gilbert Arenas openly criticized the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent acquisition of Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks ahead of the NBA trade deadline, expressing his disappointment with both the trade itself and how it was announced. The Lakers exchanged Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick for Kennard, aiming to improve shooting and spacing on their roster.
Arenas views this move as indicative of the Lakers moving away from the star-powered identity fans have come to expect from the franchise. His dissatisfaction extended beyond the trade, encompassing the direction in which the team’s roster is headed.
At this point, I’m just going to take matters into my own hands. Every hooper that can still hoop, we’re going to go down to Crypto Center and we’re just going to go try out because at this point they’re allowing anybody on the team,
Arenas said.
He further lamented the loss of high-profile players, emphasizing the significance of star names in defining the Lakers’ brand.
Damn, what happened to the names. The names made the Lakers,
Arenas added.
Arenas calls out Shams Charania and disparages Kennard
Beyond his critique of the trade, Arenas targeted NBA insider Shams Charania’s reporting of the deal, using humor and sarcasm to convey his disappointment about the player the Lakers acquired. On social media, he drew a contrast between the lofty expectations Lakers fans had and the reality of the team receiving Kennard instead.
Aye Shams Charania, US Lakers fans wanted Japanese A5 Kobe Beef Wagyu as a player, and you brung [sic] us TOFU with steak juice NEWS. I’m rolling over in my grave right now.
Arenas also directly criticized Kennard, expressing a preference for another player over him due to his perceived on-court contributions.
F—— Kennard. Out of everybody in the NBA. Bring back Quincy. I’d rather take Quincy than him. At least he knows how to get buckets. He was a Clipper before. F— him,
he said.
Lakers prepare to integrate Kennard amid competitive playoff landscape
Despite the backlash from Arenas and some fans, the Lakers have prioritized incorporating Luke Kennard into their lineup as they contend in a tightly packed Western Conference playoff race. The team’s focus remains on enhancing depth and shooting ability to increase their chances of postseason success.
Kennard’s acquisition highlights the Lakers’ strategy to adjust their roster dynamically, even if it stirs debate among former players and observers about the team’s evolving identity and star power.
Aye @ShamsCharania US laker fans wanted Japanese A5 Kobe Beef (Wagyu) as a player and u brung us 🗣️TOFU with steak juice NEWS 🤬 🗣️im rolling over in my grave right now 🏀 pic.twitter.com/DGoaicDukr
— Gilbert Arenas (@NoChillGilZero) February 5, 2026
