LeBron James dropped a bomb about his potential retirement after the Los Angeles Lakers were swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.
If James indeed retires this summer, the NBA will need to find a new face of the NBA. Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas believes Ja Morant can be that player. Arenas stated a few reasons to support his suggestion.
“The only person who has the charisma, the style, is the one who’s getting in trouble,” Arenas said. “It’s Ja Morant. He’s the only one with the style of play that will put people their seats. When you’re talking about who’s the face of the league, you’re talking about someone who’s air𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧e. Dr J., Larr Bird and Magic, then Jordan came, Kobe, LeBron. It has to be someone who can put the people in their seats. To be honest, it is Ja Morant.
He has the style, he has the look, it’s just that right now he doesn’t understand who he is and what is asked for him. He might not be mentally ready to take on that challenge. Nobody has even asked him, ‘Do you wanna be the face?’ Coming into the draft, everyone was talking [about] Zion. He inherited this just by the style of his play. So the real question is asking him, ‘Do you actually wanna be the face of this league?'”
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There’s no doubt that Ja Morant’s playing style is perfect to become the next face of the league. He has a plethora of flashy moves in his arsenal that can help in further increase the league’s popularity.
Ja might be destined to do that, but he needs to stay out of trouble to inherit that honor.
Ja Morant Took Responsibility For His Actions
In a span of two months, Ja Morant has gotten involved in two gun-flashing incidents. Although Morant got away with a light punishment the first time, the league may not be as kind to him this time.
Either way, Ja Morant has shown the guts to at least take accountability for his second gun incident.
“I know I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have supported me. This is a journey, and I recognize there is more work to do. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full accountability for my actions. I’m committed to continuing to work on myself.”
There aren’t many who believe Morant’s apology. But if indeed wants to improve his behavior and focus on his NBA career, Morant has the potential to truly become the face of the league following LeBron James’ imminent retirement.
