Kendrick Perkins Believes LeBron James Has Better Chance Fighting for Titles With Knicks

Before Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were ruled out for the rest of the regular season with their various injuries, there was hope that they, along with LeBron James, would lead the Los Angeles Lakers’ charge towards the NBA championship.

After weeks of not being able to find a rhythm, the trio, along with a healthy roster, managed to figure out what they needed to do to maximize their production.

It necessitated the 41-year-old to reduce his time on the ball, which ended with him basically playing like a free safety. That ensured his numbers were always there. But his extremely low usage rate allowed him to rest his aging body.

Then came the injuries. First, it was the Slovenian’s hamstring, for which he has now traveled to Europe to try to expedite his return. On top of that, Reaves’ injury has effectively led many to think that the Lakers will exit the first round of the playoffs again.

The load is too much for someone of LeBron James’ age to pull through, and that is why many do not have the Lakers doing anything much this season.

Once he becomes a free agent, some analysts believe that he will explore his options. One such gentleman, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins, has the perfect destination in mind.

It’s time for them to part ways… If I’m Bron I would really, really consider playing my last year with the New York Knicks.

Kendrick Perkins said on NBA Today

"If I'm Bron I would really, really consider playing my last year with the New York Knicks."@KendrickPerkins thinks LeBron should leave the Lakers this offseason 👀 pic.twitter.com/DmMVbe0U78

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 9, 2026

The analyst hopes his former teammate takes a look at the Knicks, as they have a team ready to fight for a championship. LeBron James joining them as a free agent will be good for both sides.

Kendrick Perkins’ colleague thinks the Lakers still make sense for LeBron James

Kendrick Perkins did not just talk about the Knicks as a typical fan would. He was serious when suggesting that, as a free agent, LeBron James would not force them to give up important pieces.

That will enable the Big Apple-based franchise to become a serious contender for the championship. On the other hand, Perkins’ colleague, Tim MacMahon, had a different opinion.

I’m not ready to eliminate the Lakers as a possibility… Now it comes down to the deal, how much financial haircut LeBron James is willing to accept. Remember they went 15-2 in March… He was thriving as that third option.

Tim MacMahon said

The longtime Texas-based analyst pointed out that the King needs to accept a lower salary to stay with the Lakers. The franchise needs salary to sign some of its important players, as well as to look for better role players in free agency.

The current roster is not built to contend for a title, but with improvements, and LeBron James playing as the third option, they could become a possibility.

Kendrick Perkins feels LeBron James in New York could open lots of possibilities

While talking about LeBron James’ future, Tim MacMahon also mentioned how the Lakers’ superstar’s business interests in Los Angeles, and his son, Bronny James‘ career with the team, could be more important. At this point, Kendrick Perkins interjected:

Can you imagine how much money LeBron James will make in New York City?

Kendrick Perkins said

The former Boston Celtics center was echoing what many believe to be a fact. Anyone who goes to New York can get several opportunities to expand their business interests.

That should be enough to lure the four-time league MVP to the Knicks. He also mentioned that it will be good for the game, as the collective marketing potential could send the league over the moon.

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