Now that the Los Angeles Lakers have been eliminated from the 2026 NBA Playoffs, plenty of attention will shift to LeBron James and his future.
Right now, it seems like LeBron has three options on the table:
- Stay with the Los Angeles Lakers
- Go back to the Cleveland Cavaliers
- Call it a career
The former NBA big man Kendrick Perkins has another idea that the star forward should add to the list. Perkins says that James should consider linking with the New York Knicks for the 2026-2027 NBA season.
Kendrick Perkins Makes The Case For LeBron On The Knicks
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena on November 18, 2025 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
“I think he should go to New York. Real talk, the Knicks don’t have to give up nothing,” Perkins said on ESPN’s Get Up.
“Think about the money that the NBA will make with LeBron James in a Knick uniform on the farewell tour. He can take the vet minimum. You know why? Because guess how much money he’s going to make outside the lines if he comes to [the Knicks].”
LeBron James and the New York Knicks were linked for a potential pairing years ago. When James’ second stint with the Cavaliers was coming to an end, there was an assumption he would return to the Cavs, land with the Knicks, join the Philadelphia 76ers, or go to LA to be with the Lakers.
James went to the Lakers in 2018 and hasn’t left since.
LeBron James Is Undecided
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 05: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first quarter of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 05, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
First, LeBron has to decide whether he wants to continue playing.
From a numbers standpoint, James was still a star. He averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists, while shooting 51.5% from the field and hitting on 31.7% of his threes.
He can still play, but at 41, there isn’t much left for LeBron to accomplish. He wanted another title, but the Lakers came up short with a second-round sweep. The Knicks are among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Soon, they will battle for a trip to the NBA Finals.
While that’s a scenario that might intrigue LeBron, going out East on a minimum deal is a hard sell for a guy who just put in 23 years of work. Nothing should be ruled out, but Perkins’ Knicks idea might not be on LeBron’s mind.
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