Over the past few days, three-time All-Star and current free agent Gilbert Arenas has been spotted at the Los Angeles Lakers practice facility. Arenas has been working out and participating in scrimmages with the Lakers squad along with other NBA free agents.
Reportedly, Arenas is hoping to sign with the Lakers or the Los Angeles Clippers before the start of next season. Unfortunately for the 30-year-old, there doesn’t seem to be a mutual interest from either team in Los Angeles. Both the Lakers and Clippers have basically maxed out their squads heading into training camp.
As a Los Angeles native, Arenas prefers to stay in California and earn his way onto the roster for the Lakers or Clippers. With both teams seemingly standing pat with no intentions to bring in another free agent, Arenas will likely be forced to explore other options.
Apparently, one of those options for Arenas is playing overseas according to Marc Stein of ESPN.com:
“Sources with knowledge of Arenas’ thinking told ESPN.com that the former All-Star is giving strong consideration to starting the season in China.
“Arenas has spent the bulk of the offseason working out under the care of the trusted Joe Abunassar while dropping in on the occasional open gym at the Lakers’ or Clippers’ practice facilities and, by all accounts, looking good in those pickup games.”
Last season, Arenas signed with the Memphis Grizzlies after being amnestied by the Orlando Magic. Arenas averaged 4.2 points per game in 17 games for the Grizzlies and failed to make a lasting impression that would warrant another NBA team to show interest in signing him for the veteran’s minimum this summer.
Arenas’ career in the NBA may not be over, but in the meantime he might have to resort to playing in China. Another big-name that might also have to sign with a Chinese club is Allen Iverson. With no teams showing interest in the four-time NBA scoring champion, Iverson is also seriously considering playing in China.
Check out Arenas in a scrimmage at the Lakers practice facility along with Derek Fisher, Matt Barnes, Antawn Jamison and Darius Johnson-Odom:
httpvhd://youtu.be/6vDhfyenvnw
