Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Kendrick Perkins advises 39-year-old LeBron James to stop playing basketball to preserve legacy

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Ubong Archibong | Last updated 5/7/24

Kendrick Perkins on Monday’s edition of First Take called for LeBron James to retire. As such, he cited concerns that his presence in the league as an active player will hurt his legacy and the GOAT argument.

His comments come after the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated 4-1 by the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. LeBron James and the Lakers team failed to live up to expectations yet again.

I wish LeBron James would retire...I honestly believe deep down inside, the more LeBron James continues to play the game of basketball, the more it's going to hurt his legacy and the more it's going to continue to hurt his GOAT argument. Kendrick Perkins on ESPN’s First Take

"I wish LeBron James would retire. Not because I don't want to see more of LeBron James. … The more LeBron James continues to play the game of basketball, the more it's going to hurt his legacy and the more it's going to continue to hurt his GOAT argument."

—@KendrickPerkins pic.twitter.com/WbU2IpjDWZ
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 6, 2024

Furthermore, Kendrick Perkins asserted that as long as The King continues to play, there will be expectations that he needs to win one more NBA championship ring. Moreover, failure would do no justice to his legacy. Also, he mentioned the Lakers firing of head coach Darvin Ham and his potential replacement of either Ty Lue or JJ Reddick will only fuel the pressure.

James retiring now, would in Perkins’ opinion preserve his legacy and GOAT status. However, the four-time NBA champion has no intention of calling it quits right now.

LeBron James Expected to Sign Lakers Contract

Despite Kendrick Perkins rooting for an “early retirement,” LeBron James is expected to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2024-25 season, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. He has a $51.4 million player option for next season, but he could opt out and sign a new deal worth up to three years and $162 million.

Furthermore, if agreed this would be the richest deal of his 21-year career in the league, where he is expected to earn an average annual salary of $54 million. But a decision would, according to James, be made after consulting with the relevant entities.

The Kid from Akron is, however, still playing at a high level, as he averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game across 71 starts during the just-concluded season for the Purple and Gold. And it’s obvious the Lakers hold him in high esteem and are willing to invest in his future with the team.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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