Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James hasn’t even established himself as a rotational piece just yet, but former NBA star Gilbert Arenas believes he is a superstar. Arenas was asked for his definition of a superstar on Gil’s Arena at Fanatics Fest and claimed it has little to do with play on the court.
“That is somebody who you know him from high school, college,” Arenas said. “It’s more of your aura than your play. So like AJ [Dybantsa], you know them from childhood. So that’s what superstars are. So you don’t actually have to be good in the NBA to be considered a superstar. Like Bronny is considered a superstar.”
The fans in attendance disagreed with Bronny, who averaged 2.9 points, 0.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game in 2025-26, being called a superstar, but Arenas wasn’t backing down.
“Shedeur [Sanders] is a superstar,” Arenas said. “… It’s jersey sales, it’s recognition. That’s what makes a superstar. Now, some superstars, their game matches it, too. But the superstar name is: can you sell product? That’s what it really is. So, it has nothing to do with your skill level.”
Arenas was asked whether he thinks he was a superstar at his peak, but admitted he wasn’t. The 44-year-old says someone like Allen Iverson was deserving of that tag, as he was a big name in high school, college, and the pros.
With all this in mind, co-host Josiah Johnson asked Arenas if he thinks Jalen Brunson is a superstar. He did not hesitate when responding to that question.
“No, but he could be,” Arenas said. “… Hey, you got the Jalen Brunson shoes?… Did you go get the new Jalen Brunson shoes? He don’t have ’em, right?”
Co-host Nick Young pointed out that Brunson turned down a chance to have his own signature shoe line with Nike. He wanted to keep wearing Kobe Bryant’s shoes, but the explanation didn’t satisfy Arenas.
“There’s only seven signature shoe guys,” Arenas said. “Those are the ones that Nike says you are going to be superstars. Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander] won the second MVP. What did Nike do? Get out of Converse. You’re a Nike player because they thinking his name is going to go. [Nikola] Jokic, no matter how many MVPs you win, you’re not going to be that guy as a superstar. But it’s just, can you sell product?”
Arenas’ arguments didn’t convince the fans in attendance or his co-hosts. Young hilariously told him he’s been on the sidelines too long and is talking crazy.
Now, Arenas brought up those jersey sales there, and he might want to look up the actual numbers. Brunson ranked third behind only Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic in jersey sales for the 2025-26 regular season, according to the NBA. Mind you, this was before he led the New York Knicks to the NBA championship in 2026.
Bronny wasn’t in the top 15, and he doesn’t have his signature shoe line either. To say he is a superstar, but Brunson isn’t, is a bit absurd no matter how you look at it.
Brunson definitely deserves that label now with the Knicks’ triumph and his winning Finals MVP. He is being called the King of New York, and if that isn’t recognition, then what is?
