Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins has sparked speculation about the future of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
Perkins tweeted, “It’s looking like this just might be Bron’s last season,” following the Lakers’ 101-93 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in an NBA Cup game on Friday night.
LeBron James, 39, is currently in his 22nd season and continues to produce at a high level. He is averaging 22.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 9.1 assists in 35.1 minutes per game this season.
The loss to Oklahoma City eliminated the defending NBA Cup champions from advancing to the quarterfinals. James contributed 12 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in the game but struggled to take over during crucial moments.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with a dominant 36-point performance, including 15 points in the fourth quarter.
For Los Angeles, Dalton Knecht was a bright spot, scoring 20 points and hitting five 3-pointers. D’Angelo Russell added 17 points off the bench, while Anthony Davis posted a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
However, the Lakers’ 17 turnovers and poor three-point shooting, hitting just 28.9% from beyond the arc, proved costly.
Perkins’ comments come amid ongoing speculation about James’ career trajectory. At 39 years old, James is the oldest active player in the league and remains committed to competing at a high level.
Despite this, the physical toll of two decades in the NBA and the Lakers’ current struggles may prompt questions about his future.
The Lakers, now 11-8, face challenges with injuries and inconsistency as they seek to improve their standing in the Western Conference. With the NBA Cup out of reach, their focus shifts to sustaining success in regular-season play.
