The Los Angeles Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the Thunder closing out the series with a 115-110 victory. With the Lakers’ elimination, the three most recognizable names in the league, Lakers forward LeBron James, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, and Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant, have all seen their seasons come to an end.
Now, one former NBA player turned ESPN analyst is declaring that the three legends’ days of winning NBA titles are behind them.
“Let’s have a moment of silence for the ones that passed away, the dead,” Kendrick Perkins said on Tuesday’s episode of Get Up. LeBron, Steph, and KD, they’re dead birds, tall grass when it comes to them ever stepping foot on the big stage again as far as winning a NBA championship. Those days are over.
Kendrick Perkins says LeBron, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant will NEVER win another NBA championship:
“Let’s have a moment of silence for the ones that passed away. LeBron, Steph, and KD, they’re dead birds, tall grass when it comes to them ever stepping foot on the big stage… pic.twitter.com/LXW6Zeqhar
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) May 12, 2026
“Neither one of those guys for the rest of their NBA careers will win another championship.”
In James’ case, he may not even compete in the NBA game again, as he now has to decide whether to return for another season or sail off into retirement as the most accomplished player in NBA history.
If he does return, it’ll be hard to write him off, regardless of how Perkins feels. Players of that caliber find a way to win.