Kendrick Perkins Doesn't Believe That LeBron James Can Lead The Lakers To Another NBA Title

Kendrick Perkins doesn't believe that LeBron James can lead the Los Angeles Lakers to another NBA championship.

Speaking on First Take, the former NBA champion weighed in on the possibility of the 38-year-old leading LA to their second title with him in the fold.

“I don’t,” Perkins remarked. “I don’t. And not because I don’t believe in LeBron James. Look, I think he’s the greatest player of all time. We can debate that another day. I’m standing on that, 10 toes down.

“But when it comes down to putting expectations on a guy that’s going to be 39 years old in December, I just can’t do that. Especially when he’s playing alongside a guy that is in his prime – a top-five talent – in Anthony Davis. This shouldn’t be on LeBron James.”

Instead, he turned his focus on the Lakers' big man Anthony Davis.

“Now, should LeBron James be the second option?” Perkins continued. “Absolutely. But this Lakers team is gonna go as far as Anthony Davis can carry them. … But this is Anthony Davis’ opportunity and this should be on the shoulders of Anthony Davis to lead the Lakers to win another championship."

This comes on the back of the Lakers' superstar announcing that he was not going to retire and will return to the 2023-24 season.

The Lakers had a dismal start this past season starting 0-5, but they were much better following some smart moves ahead of the trade deadline. They eventually made the playoffs and went to the Conference Finals before falling to the Denver Nuggets.

The well-constructed roster now gives James the advantage of staying healthy and geared up for the playoffs. And Perkins was accurate in calling Davis a top-five player who can lead LA, giving James the breather to be the best version of himself throughout the season.

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Kendrick Perkins Says LeBron James Can Play Until He's 50

Using former Miami Heat veteran as an example, Kendrick Perkins believes that LeBron James can play till he's 50 and that teams will be willing to take him on.

"LeBron actually could play until he's 50. If LeBron can buy into the Udonis Haslem role where he's on the bench being a veteran leader? You don't think a team would want him?"

During the 2022-23 regular season, LeBron James averaged 28.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, and 6.8 APG for the Los Angeles Lakers while also shooting an efficient 50.0% from the field.

And given his athleticism and the intense training he puts in to keep his body in shape, there's no denying that James can pull off a Tom Brady and go to 45 if not 50.

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