"So they can say he's not the GOAT" - Gilbert Arenas speculates people want to see Team USA fail because of LeBron James

Ever since Gilbert Arenas made explicit xenophobic remarks about the South Sudan team after they nearly defeated Team USA before the Paris Olympics began, he has faced plenty of criticism online for disrespecting the African nation. On an episode of his podcast, the three-time All-Star defended his comments, saying that they came from his competitive spirit and love for the country.

Moreover, Gil insisted he was only trying to support his countrymen by bashing those who questioned their merit and justified how his intentions were purely patriotic.

"One, I'm a true fan, that means it's my team vs yours and f**k yours…Two, now it's USA, so, it's USA vs. everybody else, so, f**k everybody else," Arenas said . "I'm sorry, I can't stand for that. It's us vs them, you're an American reporter. I don't give a f**k what your feeling is."

Arenas speculates why people want 2024 Team USA to fail

Even though coach Steve Kerr's team has won their four games in Paris by a points differential of 24.7, their domination was put to a thorough test in the exhibition games. Agent Zero alleged that American media personnel want Team USA to fail on the international stage because they want to downplay LeBron James ' GOAT candidature.

Put simply, if The King fails to lead the greatest modern-day team ever assembled to a gold medal, it only supports the critics' argument that he is not the greatest player of all time over Michael Jordan.

"Since LeBron is on the team, it seems like, whoever hates LeBron, they want to see America lose so they can say, 'He's not the GOAT,'" Arenas added.

Arenas may have gone overboard

Despite critics' attempts to question his credentials at 39 years old, the four-time MVP has left little room for doubt. After showcasing his clutch prowess for 2024 Team USA during exhibition games, LeBron has averaged 13.7 points on 56.7% shooting, 5.7 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game to significantly bolster the team's success in multiple aspects.

While the former Washington Wizard's admiration for Team USA and LeBron is well-known, he could have supported his team without disrespecting others. However, it finally comes to be known that Gilbert's intentions weren't malicious towards anyone.

Related: Brian Windhorst says LeBron James is making a strong case for Olympics MVP: "That is the one MVP trophy in the basketball world he's not yet put his hands on"