NBA icon Gilbert Arenas has made a successful shift from playing professional basketball to becoming a vibrant media personality. However, during a recent Los Angeles Lakers game against the Sacramento Kings, Arenas found himself in a humorous on-air moment when he mistakenly identified rookie Lakers guard Chris Mañon as a mere fan in attendance.
While commentating during The Gilbert Arenas Show on Playback, Arenas was caught off guard when Mañon checked into the game late in the fourth quarter. As the broadcast camera focused on him, Arenas said, “Is that a fan?” turning to his live chat for clarification, only to find that viewers were just as puzzled. Mañon, who had not been drafted this year, is currently on a two-way contract with the Lakers and had made his season debut during this game.
The 6-foot-5 guard, who played college basketball at Vanderbilt and averaged 6.6 points and 3.7 rebounds last season, had a brief stint on the court, managing just one rebound before being substituted out. Despite being shorthanded without star players LeBron James and Luka Dončić, the Lakers secured a thrilling 127–120 victory, led by Austin Reaves’ impressive 51-point performance.
In addition to the game commentary, Arenas recently faced speculation regarding a gambling scandal involving an FBI investigation that has implicated several NBA figures, including notable coaches and players. Although Arenas was not implicated, he addressed the rumors during a livestream, emphasizing that such accusations are not to be taken lightly, especially given their serious nature. He expressed skepticism about the portrayal of people involved in the investigation and affirmed his desire to steer clear of any negative associations.
The gambling investigation has broader implications, with several individuals connected to prominent crime families now in the spotlight. Despite facing personal legal challenges relating to gambling earlier this year, Arenas aims to maintain a distance from any scandal, adopting a humorous angle instead as he navigates his new career in media.
Arenas’ candid commentary and his light-hearted take on serious matters reflect his ongoing transformation into a beloved figure in the sports media landscape, where his charisma and insights continue to engage fans.