Kendrick Perkins Asks LeBron James ‘Why Not Retire?’ after making Malika Andrews laugh with ‘sweet ladies’ comment

ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins believes LeBron James should hang up his cleats — while he’s still at the top of his game.

Four-time NBA champion LeBron is currently the oldest active player in the league.

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James’ quest for a fifth ring ended last month when the Los Angeles Lakers fell out of the postseason at the first hurdle.

The 39-year-old has expressed a desire to play alongside his son Bronny before retiring.

LeBron is often mentioned in the Greatest of All Time conversation alongside NBA icon Michael Jordan.

But Perkins – a former NBA champion himself – argued that James is “hurting his GOAT argument” by continuing to play.

Joining host Malika Andrews on ESPN’s NBA Today, Perkins addressed all the “sweet ladies” on the panel.

And he doubled down on his previous opinion, insisting that if a championship was out of the Lakers’ reach, it might be time for James to step aside.

“LeBron James said he would never cheat in basketball and we believe it,” Perkins said.

“He will continue to play at the elite level. If he can no longer play at that level, he will quit basketball.

“I’m not saying he can’t get there and average 25 or 28 points a game.

“All I’m saying is, why not retire when you’re at the top?”

“LeBron is still killing it on the court, why give up if he still has game?” argued one fan on X in response to the exchange.

“Bro he wants to play with Bronny, stop the talk,” added another.

“Don’t deprive the man of a farewell tour when he’s ready. Of all people, Bron deserves it,” said a third.

“His ego won’t let him retire. He just inflates stats right now. Doesn’t play defense. Blames everyone else for his mistakes,” countered a fourth.

LeBron has played in 71 regular-season games in 2023-24, the most as a Laker since joining the organization in 2018.

He averaged 25.7 points per game and 7.3 rebounds throughout the year.

James will play with Team USA at the Paris Olympics this summer and declined to comment on retirement rumors following the 4-1 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

“I have seen and heard many reports about my future” He wrote in a social media post on May 1.

“I said it last night and I will say it again. I don’t know yet, I’m just thinking about spending time with my family and friends!

“When I know, after speaking to the family, my advice and also my representation on this, you will know. Until then, silence.”