"It's not about your record, not about your team, but who you are" - Gilbert Arenas explains why LeBron, Stephen Curry and Caitlin Clark are the only superstars in basketball
"It's not about your record, not about your team, but who you are" - Gilbert Arenas explains why LeBron, Stephen Curry and Caitlin Clark are the only superstars in basketball originally appeared on Basketball Network.
Every few months in the basketball world, there's a new media-fueled narrative questioning whether the next superstar has arrived. Whether it's Anthony Edwards with his flamboyance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander following his 2025 MVP win, or Tyrese Haliburton after knocking a clutch shot in every playoff series in 2025, the debate keeps cycling.
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However, according to Gilbert Arenas, there are only three certified superstars in today's basketball landscape - and it has less to do with legacy or accolades and more to do with influence, marketability, and drawing power.
Arenas on why LeBron, Steph, and Caitlin are the only three genuine superstars
Take LeBron James, for example. Even with Luka Doncic joining the Los Angeles Lakers to fuel the franchise's championship chase for the foreseeable future, there's no denying that much of the media frenzy, jersey sales, and absurd ticket pricing surrounding the Purple and Gold stems from The King's presence. Put simply, James remains the main event - whether he is in his rookie year or Year 23.
Similarly, even though fans know that Stephen Curry would not go off for 40 points in every game, they still purchase the iconic No. 30 jersey and fill out arenas only to watch the Three-Point King in action. As a result, he's become must-see TV every time he steps onto the hardwood.
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And then there is Caitlin Clark. Her impact on the WNBA is unlike anything seen before. Most recently, when she was sidelined due to a quad injury, it seemed like fans had detached themselves from watching the Indiana Fever and the league in general. But the moment she decided to make her return, a record-breaking 2.2 million viewers chimed in on ABC to see her take the floor against the New York Liberty.
Speaking on his podcast, 'Agent Zero' emphasized that whether these players win individual awards or whether their teams are contending for titles is almost secondary. Their drawing power - the fact that fans are willing to join queues to purchase game tickets and willingly pay hefty sums- defines their genuine stardom and superstar status.
'Curry, LeBron and Caitlin Clark,' Arenas on the three legitimate superstars in current basketball. 'What's funny is that I've said this for two years and ya'll fought against it. Now, Magic (Johnson) says it, and it makes sense. It's not about your record, not about your team, but who you are. Allen Iverson came to the city - sold out! Michael Jordan, with the Wizards - sold out! So, the definition of a superstar has nothing to do with your team's success. They don't give no fu–s about 70 wins, that's your team.'
There aren't many superstars in the league
It's hard to argue against Arenas' claim, especially in the case of Caitlin, who arguably might even become the greatest female athlete when it's all said and done. And while countless stars in the NBA make highlight-worthy reels on a nightly basis, none command attention like LeBron or Curry - two athletes who have transcended the game, dominated the media headlines, and been the face of the sport globally.
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So even if some might see Arenas' take as controversial, when you look at the numbers, the hype, and the crowd reactions, it's hard to counter that this is not the truth.
Related: "When did ring culture become a thing?" - Gilbert Arenas agrees with LeBron's notion of the media caring about championships too much
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
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