Kendrick Perkins Blasts Rich Paul Over 2 Days of Ignored Calls on LeBron James Exit
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 30
Kendrick Perkins Blasts Rich Paul Over 2 Days of Ignored Calls on LeBron James Exit
1 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 30
Summary
ESPN's Kendrick Perkins said on "NBA Today" that Rich Paul ignored his calls for two days as he tried to get details on LeBron James's looming free-agency move.
Perkins aired the frustration in unusually personal terms, accusing James's agent of going silent after frequently texting him during the season about his TV commentary.
The outburst came hours after ESPN's Shams Charania reported that James told the Lakers the franchise could move on, ending his 8-season run in Los Angeles.
That leaves even prominent NBA media figures scrambling for clarity on James's next step, while Perkins's public complaint risks opening a fresh media feud around Paul's handling of the story.
Has Kendrick Perkins' on-air complaint ignited a media war between ESPN analysts and powerful agents like Rich Paul?
Is the Warriors' 'Expendables' superteam a real plan or just the ultimate leverage play by LeBron's agent?
LeBron James Leaves Lakers After 8 Seasons: Inside the 2026 Departure, Lakers’ Youth Rebuild, and NBA Power Shifts
Overview
LeBron James officially ended his eight-season run with the Los Angeles Lakers in late June 2026, closing a chapter that began in 2018. During his time in Los Angeles, James led the Lakers to a 2020 NBA championship, earned Finals MVP honors, and was consistently selected as an All-Star thanks to his elite performance. He maintained impressive averages of 25.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, with strong shooting percentages. James' departure marks a major shift for the Lakers, who are now focusing on youth and long-term development as they move forward without their superstar leader.