The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2026 NBA offseason with a massive LeBron James question looming.
With LeBron’s two-year deal expiring, he is set to become a free agent again in July. At this age, James isn’t expected to earn a max deal in Los Angeles or anywhere else, but are the Lakers going to be willing to move on?
Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins was asked an important question regarding the Lakers and their plans for the 2027-2028 NBA season. Should they prioritize appeasing Luka Doncic or do right by LeBron James?
Most might go with the former. Perkins took the latter route. And in the process, Perkins took a shot at Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.
Kendrick Perkins Explains Why The Lakers Owe LeBron James
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
“When it matters most, when it’s time for those 16 games in the playoffs, you best believe that LeBron James is going to be available,” Perkins said.
“You best believe that LeBron James is going to be healthy. I can’t say the same about Luka Doncic.”
The Shot For Luka… And Embiid
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 27: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
“For the last three years, it’s been something come postseason time, whether it’s been out of shape or dealing with some type of injuries, and majority of the time it comes to soft tissue injuries,” Perkins added of Doncic.
“If you’re the Lakers, you have a concern there, because you could get through the regular season, and Luka is a fantastic talent. We’re not going to take that away from him. One of the best scorers that this game has ever seen. But when it comes to being reliable, Luka is starting to get in that territory of Joel Embiid. When you need him the most, and it comes postseason time, he’s not available.”
Joel Embiid is one of the top players in the game when healthy. The keyword here being healthy. Since the start of his career, Embiid has battled setbacks.
While Embiid has managed to play enough to secure seven All-Star nods and an MVP title in 2023, he has just one healthy postseason under his belt. The year? 2020, after a multi-month break due to the pandemic. That year, the Sixers were swept in round one.
Doncic’s postseason resume is better than Embiid’s. With the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic helped lead a Western Conference Finals victory, which ended short of an NBA Finals win. With the Lakers, Doncic has been around for two playoff runs. He missed all of 2026.
Perkins’ point is a strong one, but the Lakers don’t owe anybody favors when transitioning to a new era of the organization. James was paid fairly and generously throughout his tenure, and the organization made coaching and roster moves to his liking many times. That’s not to say it’s certainly time for the Lakers to cut ties with LeBron, but prioritizing their top investment is the best move for their future right now.
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