Free agent Gilbert Arenas worked out for the Lakers recently, but there are no indications he's close to a deal with Los Angeles. Arenas sat down for a lengthy interview with SI.com's Sam Amick, in which he discussed a handful of topics, including the Lakers workout, his health, his former teams, and much more. Here are a few highlights from the informative two-part piece:
- Because he's still rehabbing and working his way toward full health, Arenas says he doesn't expect to sign anywhere until at least the All-Star break.
- Arenas spoke to Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak at his L.A. workout, but wouldn't comment on what the two discussed.
- The platelet-rich therapy Arenas underwent last month has improved his health immensely: "I'm jumping and moving like before I got injured, like it's basically '06 again. My explosiveness, my jumping ability, my quickness — it feels like I never got injured."
- Arenas talks to Dwight Howard every day, but says he doesn't know where Howard will end up next season and beyond: "I have no idea [if Dwight will stay], because like any big decision you're going to go back and forth every day."
- Howard and Arenas have talked about playing together again, which could still technically happen in Orlando next year if the former Wizard sits out this whole season, according to Arenas. I believe CBA rules prohibit an amnestied player from rejoining his old team for the duration of his contract, but presumably Arenas has been advised on this loophole. Regardless, I expect the odds of Howard and Arenas both wearing Magic uniforms next season are close to zero.
If he’s in such great shape, latch on to a team and let’s go. I’ve been pulling for him as a player since e went down and I would love to see him return to his old self.