Kendrick Perkins: “LeBron’s No Longer Running the Lakers”
“You don’t spend $10 billion and sit courtside. You run the show.”
That was Kendrick Perkins’ bold statement as the NBA analyst declared a seismic shift in Los Angeles: LeBron James is no longer calling the shots.
Luka Dončić Takes Center Stage
Following the Lakers’ historic $10 billion sale, Perkins insists the franchise’s future revolves around Luka Dončić and his agency, WME. Once the dominant voice in roster decisions, LeBron—along with Klutch Sports boss Rich Paul—may be losing influence.
“It’s not a 40-year-old LeBron James anymore… it’s Luka,” Perkins said, pointing to recent moves like the signing of Deandre Ayton, which he believes carried Luka’s fingerprints.
Power Shift in the Front Office
Perkins criticized Rich Paul’s public statements as “serving no purpose but ruffling feathers.” With Jeanie Buss remaining in a figurehead role post-sale, Perkins argues real authority now rests with new ownership—and with Luka.
From King to Heir
While LeBron remains a global icon and elite player, Perkins sees a power transition unfolding. The throne, he says, is already being prepared:
“All signs point to the prince claiming the throne sooner than expected.”
Kendrick Perkins Says Lebron And Klutch Sports Control Over The Lakers Is Over pic.twitter.com/H9rQZ3RH01
— TheTruth (@Thetruth8240) July 5, 2025
