While the GOAT debate between LeBron James and Michael Jordan has no way of ending soon, former player-turned NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins believes that King James still has a chance. The NBA playoffs are approaching, and the first round itself promises to be a highly anticipated affair featuring the legends of the game, Kevin Durant and James.
While talking about the high-profile first-round matchup, James’ former teammate on the Cleveland Cavaliers gave a bold statement about LBJ settling the GOAT debate once and for all. He said:
“If a 41-year-old LeBron James in a head-to-head matchup with Kevin Durant, comes out and pulls of this victory, … I don’t want to hear a damn thing anymore about the GOAT conversation.”
Two out of the LA Lakers’ Big 3, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, have been sidelined due to a hamstring sprain and an oblique injury, respectively. And there is no positive sign of their return yet. In that case, the 4-time NBA champion might have to lead the team in Round 1. James lags behind Durant in the playoff matchups, 5-9.
However, the Lakers’ last few regular-season games might have given the team some confidence. King James led the team to multiple victories even without the superstar guard duo. For now, the all-time leading scorer just wants to kick back and relax until the postseason finally begins.
“I get to sit back on my couch,” LeBron James shares his play-in plans
LeBron James seemed relieved in the latest episode of the Mind The Game podcast with Steve Nash. The Lakers played back-to-back play-ins in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, but could not make a deep playoff run. Last season, they lost in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This time, however, the Lakers have entered the playoffs as the fourth seed and have ample time before the postseason. James opened up about that feeling and said:
“I am happy because being a participant of the f*cking play-in for some years, that I get to sit back on my couch with my wine knowing I don’t have to play until the weekend… Just sit there and just like enjoy. I’ll have one iPad with golf on and the other with the play-in. I will be so excited. It’s perfect.”
Without Doncic and Reaves on the roster, containing a young and talented Houston Rockets’ squad, consisting of Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, will be an uphill task for LeBron James and Co. Both Durant and James are at the tail end of their careers and will look to keep their hopes alive for another ring in their storied careers.
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