Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James ruffled some feathers earlier this week, appearing on The Pat McAfee Show for a lengthy interview dubbed “the LeBronversation.” It resulted in immediate backlash and drew criticism from the likes of Kendrick Perkins.
For some, the content of the interview is what rubbed them the wrong way. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst was among those who responded to some of James’ slights.
Others, however, took exception to James appearing on McAfee’s show outright. That’s where Perkins comes in.
Kendrick Perkins in a blazer
During an appearance on First Take, Perkins comiserated over the fact that James had partnered with JJ Redick and Steve Nash on the Mind the Game podcast as opposed to the likes of Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye, Phil Handy, or Draymond Green.
Kendrick Perkins doesn’t understand why LeBron chose not to do the Mind of the Game podcast with guys like Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye, Phil Handy, or Draymond Green, and instead chose to do it with Steve Nash and JJ Redick 🤔
(🎥 @FirstTake )
pic.twitter.com/crxe2AWM4R
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 27, 2025
The question Perkins posed wasn’t necessarily subtle. Why would James partner with white men over Black men? Why would he appear on a white man’s show to provide an exclusive interview as opposed to someone who shared a similar skin color?
That was the perceived implication.
McAfee got wind of Perkins’ issue and decided to respond in the most McAfee way possible.
Good morning beautiful people..
I still can’t believe LeBron had a conversation with a white guy the other day.
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 28, 2025
But Perkins wasn’t alone and likely wasn’t the only person McAfee’s post on X was intended for.
The Ringer’sVan Lathan was also heavily critical of James for appearing on McAfee’s show — specifically, his criticism of Stephen A. Smith on McAfee’s show — as opposed to another platform. All of it steeped with a racial undertone.
Whether anyone agrees with what James said on McAfee’s show or not, he has every right to appear on any platform he desires so long as there’s an open invitation. And why not McAfee’s show? It has one of the largest audiences in the sports world.
If you want to get your thoughts out, there are few better places to do it, whether Perkins and Lathan like that or not.