Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins suggests that LeBron James should consider ending his NBA career to protect his legacy. Perkins, who is 39 years old, expresses concern after the Los Angeles Lakers’ swift exit from the playoffs last month at the hands of the Denver Nuggets. He tells ESPN that he believes James should retire, fearing that continuing to play may tarnish his status as one of the greatest basketball players ever.
Perkins emphasizes that his suggestion doesn’t stem from a lack of appreciation for James but rather a concern for his long-term reputation. He argues that with each passing season, the pressure on James to win championships intensifies, especially given the Lakers’ recent struggles. Perkins notes that despite James’ four NBA championships, the expectations for him and the Lakers remain high, and failure to meet them could lead to further criticism.
Looking ahead, Perkins speculates that if James and the Lakers fail to reach the Finals or even the Western Conference Finals in the upcoming season, questions will arise about who is to blame. He expresses a dilemma, torn between his admiration for James’s career and concern for how prolonged play might impact it.
