NBA Rumors: Former All-Star Guard 'Sabotaged' Chance To Join Lakers In 2011

Gilbert Arenas is a name that NBA fans will remember although injuries forced him out of the league.

He has his best years with the Washington Wizards, but injuries prevented him from showing what he could truly deliver.

Aside from the Wizards, “Agent Zero” started his NBA journey with the Golden State Warriors. He also had forgettable stops with the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies.

But in his last season, it turns out he had a chance to join the Los Angeles Lakers after he was waived by the Magic using the NBA amnesty clause. He was due $62 million at the time, but his performance failed to justify it.

Before his NBA career came to a close, the three-time All-Star was approached by the Lakers with the late Kobe Bryant allegedly wanting him there. Arenas narrated the tale on South Beach Sessions.

“I botched the meeting. I sabotaged it,” Arenas said. “They’re asking me, ‘When can you be ready to come?’ Maybe a month? It’s March. To be honest you don’t really need a player like me. You just need to tweak the second unit, make them a little faster and you guys are perfect.”

For Arenas, the Lakers needed someone to come off the bench and head the second unit. Rather than take on the role, the 6-foot-4 guard opted to head home than take a chance.

“You guys are going to crucify me. “That’s when Kobe came out and said, ‘I want Agent Zero.’ And I’m like, with all due respect, Kobe wants a player that no longer exists mentally,” Arenas stated.

As most know, the Lakers were looking for a three-peat, having won the title the two previous NBA seasons. However, they were swept in the second round of the NBA playoffs by the eventual champions--the Dallas Mavericks.

No one may ever know what would have happened had Arenas agreed to join the Lakers that year.

Bryant wanted him on board for a reason, but somehow it appeared Arenas had other things in mind at that time.