The future of NBA icon LeBron James is up in the air. He recently said he’s keeping his options open about returning to the Los Angeles Lakers, joining a new team, or retiring.
James is generating headlines despite being eliminated from the ongoing NBA playoffs, something former teammate and friend Kendrick Perkins believes is a calculated tactic.
Kendrick Perkins Slams LeBron James For Attention Seeking Tactics
Perkins slammed James for seeking attention on the most recent episode of “First Take.” Perkins said “We took the bait. He threw his fishing pole out there and let the bait just hang, and he caught some big fish, caught the attention that he wanted, while he’s sitting at home.”
Perkins added “He already has a plan in place. He knows what he’s doing, he knows what his next move is.”
“We took the bait. He threw his fishing pole out there… He caught the attention that he wanted.” @KendrickPerkins on LeBron James talking about his future in the NBA 😮 pic.twitter.com/3goY2eI23L
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 22, 2026
James recently wrapped up his 23rd NBA season in disappointing fashion as the Lakers were swept out of the playoffs by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers were missing All-NBA guard Luka Dončić, who suffered a hamstring injury and missed the entire playoffs.
However, James may have frustrated some in the organization when he recently declared the Lakers simply didn’t have enough talent to defeat the Thunder. That comment, along with multiple reports of tension, has sparked speculation that James will not return to the Lakers if he plays a 24th season.
Perkins believes James knows exactly what his true intentions are regarding next season. Critics of James often discuss his obsession with controlling the narrative. He’s even been accused of being a manipulator.
As Perkins notes, James has stayed in the headlines over the last few years after the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs by making vague statements about his future plans. Critics of James believe it’s always intentional, so the focus remains on him even when the Lakers lose.
Then, Denver Nuggets Head Coach Mike Malone certainly thought that was the case in 2023. The Nuggets swept the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, and James considered retiring in the aftermath.
Critics argued that James openly discussing a possible retirement deflected attention from the Nuggets, a view Malone essentially agreed with, as he mocked James in a press conference afterward.
If James does intend to play another season, he’ll have suitors. He was named to his 22nd All-Star Game this season and averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game, with better numbers during the playoffs.
With the emergence of the Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, many people suspect James will consider returning to the Eastern Conference and potentially reuniting with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Perkins believes James will always ensure he stays one step ahead, regardless of his decision.
