Kendrick Perkins Explained Why LeBron James Won't Be Able to Lead Lakers to a NBA Title

“This shouldn’t be on LeBron James.”

LeBron James officially announced his return for his 21st NBA season Wednesday night at the ESPYs in hopes of winning a fifth NBA championship. But on ESPN’s First Take on Thursday, Kendrick Perkins argued that at 39 years old by midway through next season, James is too old to lead the Lakers to to a title in 2023–24.

“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,” Perkins said.

That doesn’t mean Perkins thinks the Lakers’ title hopes are dead already. He argued that a championship run for Los Angeles needs to go through the team’s other superstar, Anthony Davis, who is still in his prime.

“This shouldn’t be on LeBron James,” Perkins said. “This Lakers team is going to go as far as Anthony Davis can carry them.”

.@KendrickPerkins doesn't believe LeBron can lead the Lakers to a title this season 😳 pic.twitter.com/Pv5Dp7LfWr

— First Take (@FirstTake) July 13, 2023

Davis at times this past postseason looked like the type of player that could be the centerpiece of a title winner. He had four 30-plus point performances and put together some monster rebounding efforts, including the 23 boards he grabbed against the Warriors in Game 1 of their series.

“This is Anthony Davis’ opportunity, and this should be on the shoulders of Anthony Davis to lead the Lakers to winning another championship,” Perkins said.