Former NBA champion turned analyst Kendrick Perkins continues suggesting blockbuster moves. He suggested Ja Morant to join the Heat and now Perk suggests for James Harden to go to the Lakers.
According to him, if the former NBA MVP is willing take a lesser role, he could thrive in Los Angeles and would unlock Anthony Davis just like he did it with Joel Embiid.
“If he’s willing to take a lesser role… James Harden is still a star in this league. James Harden is still an All-Star caliber player in this league, not an All-NBA,” Perkins said on First Take. “If James Harden is willing to sacrifice, I think he can be a good fit for anybody.
“I said this yesterday and people went crazy — James Harden actually could be really great for the Los Angeles Lakers. Because look at his transition in the role that Doc Rivers had him playing in this season. He led the league in assists, he was the ultimate point guard, he could take pressure off LeBron James.
“And look how dominant Joel Embiid and James Harden were in the pick and roll. Can you imagine the easy looks that James Harden could get for Anthony Davis in the pick and roll, the pressure that he could off LeBron James?”
The 33-year-old superstar has until June 29 to decline his player option for the 2023-2024 season and hit free agency. He took a pay cut this year with the 76ers and reportedly is looking for a bigger deal. He made $33 million this season.
This past season Harden averaged 21 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists in 36.8 minutes per game.
