LeBron's former teammate thinks his agent is affecting where he stands among the best in NBA history
The debate over who is the greatest player to ever lace them will forever be debated in basketball, and former NBA champion and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins believes one of LeBron James’ closest allies may actually be doing more harm than good.
During a recent appearance on the Road Trippin podcast, Perkins criticized LeBron’s longtime friend and agent, Rich Paul, for comments he made about Scottie Pippen's rings being the same as Michael Jordan's.
Paul said that he thinks Pippen was the most impactful player on the Bulls' six-championship run, adding that if you unplug Pippen from that team, Jordan is 0-6.
What Perkins Had to Say
While Paul has consistently defended James’ place in basketball history, Perkins argued that those remarks are having the opposite effect on his standing among the greats.
“This is where he has to stop,” Perkins said. “This is where he starts to hurt LeBron James’ GOAT case."
For years, James and Jordan have been at the center of one of the most passionate debates in sports.
Jordan supporters point to his six NBA championships, six Finals MVP awards, a perfect 6-0 record in the NBA Finals, and even a perfect season where he earned MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in 1988.
Lebron James and Michael Jordan on court during halftime during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. James’ supporters counter with his unmatched longevity, all-time scoring record, four championships, and ability to remain among the league’s elite for more than two decades, as he’s still playing at an elite level at 41.
Paul, who founded Klutch Sports and has represented James throughout much of his career, has often spoken publicly about LeBron’s impact on the game and why he believes the Los Angeles Lakers superstar deserves recognition as the greatest player ever.
Perkins, however, believes those conversations can create the perception that James’ camp is trying to influence how history remembers him. According to Perkins, that narrative only gives critics more ammunition in an already heated debate.
The discussion comes at a time when James is still adding to his legacy.
How Did LeBron James Perform This Season?
Entering what could be his 24th NBA season, James continues to rewrite record books and accomplish feats that once seemed impossible.
James is coming off a season where he posted 21 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in 60 games while helping push the Lakers to 53-29 for fourth in the Western Conference.
With injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves late in the season, including the playoffs, James had to change his role instantly from the third option to the first option.
Now the Lakers have a decision to make this offseason with James becoming a restricted free agent. If he decides to come back, the annual amount will be something to watch and returning to L.A. at that.
Whether fans view James or Jordan as the greatest player ever, the debate shows no signs of slowing down.
But if Perkins has his way, the arguments from LeBron’s inner circle may become quieter moving forward, allowing James’ accomplishments on the court to make the case on their own.
