Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers have had a topsy-turvy season, but warts and all, they are still in the thick of the warzone that is the Western Conference playoff race. Even so, because other teams’ seasons haven’t had as much drama, certain players have stood out even better than Dončić has.
Kendrick Perkins Explains Why He Will Take Cade Cunningham Ahead of Luka Dončić
NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins gave his take on the “Road Trippin'” podcast that he believes Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has surpassed Dončić among the top-five players in the NBA. While listing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokić at the top three, Perkins explained why he had Cunningham at No. 4 ahead of Dončić.
“You know why? Forget the point, he went and gave them a 40-piece all flats,” Perkins said. “It’s the eight rebounds, it’s the 13 assists, and Cade Cunningham plays both sides of the basketball.”
Kendrick Perkins says Cade Cunningham has just leapfrogged Luka Dončić into the top 5 players in the NBA
“You know why? Forget the point he went and gave them a 40 piece all flats. It’s the 8 rebounds, it’s the 13 assist and Cade Cunningham plays both sides of the basketball”… pic.twitter.com/Sd01Yi6MQ1
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) February 20, 2026
Cunningham just started the first year of a five-year, $269,085,780 contract.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Cunningham gets more and/or better recognition than Dončić. Not only have the Pistons been better than the Lakers, but record-wise, they are the best team in the NBA at the moment. Playing in the weak Eastern Conference has something to do with that, but the results are still impressive nonetheless.
The Pistons came into the season expected to take another step forward, and they’ve somehow surpassed expectations. Their performance isn’t entirely because of Cunningham’s efforts, but he has inarguably been the driving force behind it.
If Detroit finishes with the best record, Cunningham will get that recognition. Combined with the Lakers’ struggles and an iffy foundation, one will make a compelling case that Dončić is a better player overall, while Cunningham will get the recognition for having had the better season.
Perkins delved into a key difference between the two: Cunningham is more of a two-way player, while Dončić is one of the best one-man offensive engines both currently in the league and in NBA history. One of them has vaulted his team to the top of his conference, while the other is putting up his usual numbers, but his team’s too many ups and downs hurt his case for being considered among the NBA’s very best.
Things could change as early as next season, but Cunningham is getting the props he deserves. However, it’s somewhat unfortunate that it comes at the cost of putting down Dončić.
