Kendrick Perkins believes Doncic still lacks leadership skills.

After eight years, 41-year-old LeBron James announced his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers. NBA legend Kendrick Perkins stated that while Luka Doncic possesses great talent, he lacks the leadership qualities of LeBron James on the team.

During his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James played a total of 479 games, averaging 25.9 points per game, with a field goal percentage of 9.8% and a three-point field goal percentage of 35.6%.

Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025/26 NBA Western Conference Semifinals with a score of 0-4, missing out on the championship.

NBA legend Kendrick Perkins stated, "The Los Angeles Lakers simply cannot afford to lose LeBron James. When would we ever associate Luka Doncic with the title of 'great team leader' if we were to seriously analyze him?"

“We would describe Anthony Edwards like that, discuss Cade Cunningham and Gilgeous-Alexander like that, and we would describe Viktor Axelsen like that, but we would never describe Luka Doncic like that.”

Kendrick Perkins points out, "Many people often say that Luka Doncic led the Dallas Mavericks to the Finals, but if you ask anyone on the team, they will tell you that the real leader in the locker room is Kyrie Irving, not necessarily the strongest player."

In addition, another NBA legend, Avery Johnson, said, "It's that simple. When I was coaching, I would really lose sleep over certain teams, rosters, or coaching staffs. But the current Los Angeles Lakers, even with Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves, don't scare anyone at all."

"Maybe Luka Doncic averages 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, and Austin Reeves averages 20 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists. But look at Deandre Ayton; the team doesn't really have a last line of defense. Jared Vanderbilt doesn't have a shot, and there are many similar problems."

Avery Johnson also stated, "The Denver Nuggets have Nikola Jokic, and their roster still has the potential to contend for a top-4 finish in the West. The Houston Rockets re-signed Fred VanVleet, and they just need to strengthen their point guard position. As for the Minnesota Timberwolves, although I'm not a LaMelo Ball supporter, let's see how they gel in the end."

"I think there are many teams with a more complete 8-9 man rotation than the Los Angeles Lakers, and the current Los Angeles Lakers are definitely not a top 4 team in the West."

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