While most fans keep LeBron James behind legends like Michael Jordan in the GOAT debate, the 2008 NBA Champion, Kendrick Perkins, thinks that King James can claim the top spot and close the chapter in their upcoming playoff game against the Rockets.

Perkins appeared on the April 16 episode of ESPN's First Take show alongside host Stephen A. Smith, where he assessed the four Lakers vs. Rockets playoff games scheduled for April 18, 22, 25, and 27. Amid the conversation, Perkins claimed that LeBron will become the all-time GOAT if he manages to get the better of Kevin Durant's Rockets in this series.

Perkins also justified his take, highlighting how the Lakers won't have their full squad for the match. He said, "No, Luka Doncic. No, Austin Reeves. [Still] if a 41-year-old LeBron James in a head-to-head matchup with Kevin Durant comes out victorious in this series, I don’t want to hear a damn thing anymore about the GOAT conversation."

Well, the GOAT conversation is entirely subjective and hence has been debated on for decades. However, the case that Perkins made for James to become the GOAT does carry some weight.

While the Lakers made their way into the playoffs with a 7-3 record in the last ten games, the team suffered two significant blows during their April 2 game against the Thunder. Doncic and Reeves sustained gruesome injuries on the same night that sidelined them for the rest of the season.

With such key players being unavailable for their playoff games against Durant's in-form Rockets (9-1 in their last 10 games), James will have to put up an exemplary performance to get his side over the hurdle.

But while lots of fans will be looking forward to whether James manages to become Perkins' GOAT, the Lakers No. 23 recently disclosed how the match can make him a proud father once more.

Lebron James on What It Would Mean to Play Alongside Son Bronny at the Playoffs

In October 2024, LeBron and his son Bronny James became the first father-son duo to share the court in the NBA. Since then, they have played multiple matches together. However, the same phenomenon can repeat itself at the Lakers' first playoff match against the Rockets on April 18.

Bronny is reportedly set to play alongside LeBron in the match, and 'King James' couldn't have been happier. During one of his recent interviews at the team facility in El Segundo on April 16, LeBron described the feeling of sharing the court with his son for a playoff match.

He said, "Me being on the floor with him is the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my career, above everything that I’ve accomplished. The fact that he has put himself in a position to get his number called for a postseason game is truly remarkable."

So, considering Perkins' opinion, Bronny can also play a significant role in taking the Lakers past the Rockets, which in turn will make his father the GOAT.

But, do you think the Lakers will be able to get the better of the Rockets in the playoff series, which will make Bronny a worthy son and his father the GOAT?

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Souvik Roy