Gilbert Arenas, former NBA All-Star, delivered firm parenting advice on LeBron James parenting advice pain, revealing how his rigorous coaching helped carve a path for his son, Alijah Arenas. The relentless practice routine, including 400 daily shots before school, combined hard work and discipline to elevate his son’s game. This effort culminated recently in Alijah’s commitment to USC, despite strong interest from several high-profile basketball programs such as Kansas and Arizona.

Alijah, a 6’6” shooting guard who reclassified to the 2025 class, holds the No. 10 rank by 247Sports. His standout statistics of 31.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game earned him McDonald’s All-American honors, the first from the LA City Section since 2009. Gilbert’s dual roles as a father and coach have been demanding yet crucial, as he balances motivation and emotional support.

Navigating Parenthood and Coaching: Arenas’ Honest Boundaries

In a revealing discussion on the Catch12 podcast with Tee Morant, father of Ja Morant, Gilbert Arenas shared the complex line between parent and coach. He conceded that these roles cannot operate simultaneously, emphasizing the need to separate the two. When the game begins, Arenas switches from coach to father, offering unwavering support rather than criticism.

“I learned early coach and father can’t coexist at the same time. Right. I can’t be both.” —Gilbert Arenas

“Once the game starts, I’m your father. I’m just there to support. Watch the game. Cheer. Don’t f—– look over here.” —Gilbert Arenas

This distinction prevents the emotional confusion players often face when a parent is both disciplinarian and cheerleader. Gilbert acknowledges the difficulty when a child looks to their parent for backup after being reprimanded by a coach, asserting he refrains from intervening on the court.

His strict training expectations illustrate this clear boundary: early morning workouts at 4 a.m. demand full commitment, without exceptions or complaints. If his son misses the session, Gilbert switches hats instantly and does not let frustration affect their father-son relationship.

“If I say practice at four o’clock in the morning, practice at four o’clock in the morning… I can’t love this s— for you.” —Gilbert Arenas

“You ain’t got to worry about me getting mad cuz I’m back to father now.” —Gilbert Arenas

“I’m taking one hat off, putting another one on.” —Gilbert Arenas

Through this structure, Arenas emphasizes discipline as essential to achieving greatness and internalizes what it takes to pursue excellence.

Parallels with LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony as NBA Fathers

Gilbert Arenas’ demanding approach reflects broader challenges faced by NBA legends like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony as they support their sons’ careers. Bryce James, LeBron’s son, and Kiyan Anthony, Carmelo’s son, are part of the 2025 class, following their fathers’ legacies while forging independent futures. Bryce recently committed to the Arizona Wildcats, and Kiyan to Syracuse, which mirrors his father’s college journey. Alijah’s choice to stay local at USC places these fathers in a similar position, managing the blend of professional pride and parental guidance.

Alijah Arenas’ Harrowing Car Crash and Path to Recovery

Beyond basketball, Gilbert Arenas confronted the true heartbreak of nearly losing his son in a life-threatening car accident in April 2025. Reflecting on the incident, Gilbert revealed the pain of missed moments due to his NBA career commitments, marking a time of emotional reckoning for him as a father.

“I missed 19 to 20 of his life. You know how we are as parents. We’re in, we’re out, we’re in, we’re out.” —Gilbert Arenas

This crash, during Alijah’s return from a late-night workout, was a traumatic event for the family. Alijah described how his Cybertruck malfunctioned unexpectedly, failing to register his presence inside the vehicle and causing a loss of control.

“Me going on the way to my house, the car didn’t really register that I was in there,” —Alijah Arenas

“So even to this day, the car app still says I’m at the gym.” —Alijah Arenas

The steering wheel stopped responding mid-drive, forcing Alijah to veer into the curb. He lost consciousness for minutes before waking to find his car engulfed in flames. His survival instincts kicked in, managing to escape the vehicle with aid from strangers despite disorientation.

“I switched lanes without meaning to, and I knew something was wrong. And next thing you know, I can’t get back to the left lane.” —Alijah Arenas

“I can’t stop. The wheel wasn’t responding to me as if I wasn’t in the car,” —Alijah Arenas

“I went into panic mode, instinctively, checked my surroundings,” —Alijah Arenas

“I couldn’t see outside the car because of all the fog.” —Alijah Arenas

Despite the ordeal and a medically induced coma, Alijah accepts full accountability for the crash, refusing to fault the vehicle’s manufacturer or any third party.

“Honestly, I take full responsibility for the crash, whether it was me, another car, a malfunction,” —Alijah Arenas

“I don’t want to put anyone else in this situation, the people who made the car, anything like that. I take full responsibility.” —Alijah Arenas

Following a lengthy recovery, Alijah is now healthy and preparing to embark on his collegiate basketball career at USC.

The Broader Meaning of Arenas’ Parenting Style in the NBA Sphere

Gilbert Arenas’ straightforward and intense parenting methods highlight the challenges NBA fathers face in balancing ambition, discipline, and emotional support for their children. His clear delineation between coaching and fatherhood demonstrates a practical approach to nurturing talent while preserving a healthy parental relationship. As Alijah continues his journey, these lessons offer perspective for other NBA families, including LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, who strive to help their sons succeed amid similar pressures.

The Arenas story also underscores the profound vulnerabilities even elite athletes face beyond the court, emphasizing resilience and responsibility in moments of crisis. This combination of toughness and accountability may serve as a model for those navigating the intersection of professional sports, parenting, and personal growth.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is LeBron James’ son a millionaire?

A. Bronny made history by joining his father, LeBron James, on the court. The Lakers presented him with a multi-year rookie deal, which is uncommon for second-round selections. Sponsorships and endorsements have already made him a millionaire.