Kendrick Perkins (Image Credits: Imagn)

'Lakers Are Dead Birds'- Kendrick Perkins Sounds Off on Los Angeles Lakers With Brutal Playoff Outlook

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Nitish Kumar Singh | Last updated Apr 12, 2026 9:28 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers’ late-season momentum has hit a brick wall at the worst possible time.

After a blistering nine-game winning streak in March that saw them climb to third in the West, the wheels have come off due to a devastating string of injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.

However, with the regular season officially concluding today, April 12, the Lakers are locked into a first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. But the vibes in Los Angeles have shifted from championship aspirations to survival mode.

On top of that, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins isn’t holding his breath for a turnaround. Speaking on First Take, Perkins delivered a blunt autopsy of the Lakers’ title hopes, famously describing them as “dead birds in tall grass.”

“The Lakers are dead birds, tall grass,” Perkins said. “This season is over. They’re a first-round exit. It’s no way in hell you’re gonna ask a 41-year-old LeBron James to lead in this tough Western Conference without Luka [Doncic] and Austin Reaves… If I was the Lakers, I would just go ahead and shut Luka down for the season… The role players and JJ Redick are not on one accord. JJ Redick has been calling out his role players time and time again.”

Kendrick Perkins did not hold back on the Lakers

“The Lakers are dead birds, tall grass. This season is over. They’re a first-round exit. It’s no way in hell you’re gonna ask a 41-year-old LeBron James to lead in this tough Western Conference without Luka [Doncic] and Austin… pic.twitter.com/hYn1qwbxgX
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 11, 2026

Though his skepticism stems from the immense burden now placed on a 41-year-old LeBron James. While James remains a tactical genius, Perkins argues that asking him to navigate a seven-game series against a physical Rockets defense without his two primary playmakers is an impossible task.

Kendrick Perkins Makes Bold Lakers Demand to LeBron James

With LeBron James’ tenure in Los Angeles seemingly reaching its twilight, Kendrick Perkins has a specific vision for the King’s final act. As the Lakers pivot toward a future centered on Luka Doncic, James faces an unrestricted free agency that could see him leave the purple and gold for a storybook ending.

While a third stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers remains the betting favorite, Perkins is urging James to snub “The Land” for the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.

“If I’m Bron, I would really, really consider playing my last year with the New York Knicks,” Perkins said on ESPN.

"If I'm Bron I would really, really consider playing my last year with the New York Knicks."@KendrickPerkins thinks LeBron should leave the Lakers this offseason pic.twitter.com/DmMVbe0U78
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 9, 2026

He argued that finishing a legendary career at the “Mecca” would be an economic and cultural windfall for the NBA.

Beyond the marketing appeal, Perkins noted that adding James to a Knicks core featuring Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns would make them instant title favorites.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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