LeBron, Lakers parting ways?

NEW YORK -- Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins said Saturday (Manila time) that LeBron James’ seven-year relationship with the Los Angeles Lakers appears to be reaching its end.

Perkins made his comments after watching James during the Lakers’ 122–96 loss to the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day and after James’ agent, Rich Paul, publicly stated that the Lakers are not championship contenders.

“LeBron James and the Lakers — their relationship has run its course,” Perkins said on ESPN’s First Take. “And they need to figure out a solution. And the solution is him not being in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform.”

Perkins said Paul’s comments confirmed what James already knows.

“LeBron has been to 10–15 NBA Finals. He knows when a roster is not good enough,” Perkins said. “Rich Paul, his agent, just said the Lakers are not title contenders. If Rich Paul is saying it, they both feel that way.”

The Lakers have lost their last three games to slip to 19-10. Their championship odds also dropped to sixth from fourth-best a week ago, according to TG Casino, one of the best Minnesota betting sites.

James struggled defensively against Houston as the Rockets scored 68 points in the paint and outrebounded the Lakers 48-25, including 17 offensive rebounds that led to 24 second-chance points. James was beaten on several rotations, allowed his matchups to gain position inside and was slow closing out on shooters.

Perkins said the signs were visible.

“Watching that game last night — and I was a teammate of LeBron James and grew up playing with him in AAU — I know this man,” Perkins said. 

“When he’s not engaged, or if he feels some type of way, it speaks in his body language.”

“And last night, his body language was awful. He was not engaged. He was pouting, moping and walking up and down the damn floor, and he was complaining.”

Perkins also suggested growing tension within the organization, pointing to head coach JJ Redick’s increasingly pointed public comments.

“He wasn’t having these conversations earlier in the season when LeBron James was out,” Perkins said.

Redick declined to name specific players but acknowledged a lack of accountability following the loss.

“It’s a matter of making the choice, and too often we have guys won’t want to make that choice,” Redick said. “And it’s pretty consistent who those guys are.”

Redick said he plans to confront the issue directly.

“Saturday’s practice — I told the guys — it’s going to be uncomfortable,” Redick said. 

“The meeting is going to be uncomfortable. I’m not doing another 53 games like this.”

James, 40, is in the final season of a $52.6 million contract and holds a no-trade clause, meaning any potential trade would require his approval. While James has not publicly expressed dissatisfaction, league observers continue to monitor his long-term future with the franchise.