One of the main narratives surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers as they head into the offseason is what will happen to star LeBron James. James’ contract has one more year left on it, but he has the opportunity to opt out and become a free agent.
James will most likely return to the Lakers in Year 22. But according to one former NBA center, he ought to hang up his skates.
In an interview with ESPN’s “First Take,” former teammate of LeBron James during the Cleveland Cavaliers era Kendrick Perkins urged the 20-time All-Star to step down as soon as possible to prevent more damage to his legacy.
“I’d prefer for LeBron James to step down. Not because I don’t want to see LeBron James play more,” Perkins remarked. “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.”
Perkins has a platform, but his interpretation of this is incorrect, to be polite. Whatever James performs in the final years of his career, his legacy is already cemented.
He is still among the best players in the NBA, having just completed his 21st year of play.
.. He is currently just cementing his legacy with each game he plays because his longevity in the NBA is something we have never seen before.
Even though the Lakers’ chances of winning a championship are slim, James is still after another one. He cannot in any way diminish his status as one of the best athletes in sports history.
