Kendrick Perkins Opens Up About Losing Friendships with LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Durant

Kendrick Perkins, known for his bold takes and unfiltered commentary, has made waves in his post-NBA career as a media analyst.

But this transition has come at a cost.

Recently, Perkins shared an emotional account of losing friendships with some of the NBA’s biggest stars, including LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Durant.

Speaking on a podcast with Tony Allen and Zach Randolph, Perkins revealed the strain that his honesty in the media has placed on these relationships, shedding light on the delicate balance between professional integrity and personal loyalty.

Perkins began by reflecting on how his shift to media has changed his interactions with former teammates and peers.

“I lost some friends,” Perkins admitted.

“Russ, KD, Bron… I had to speak on things, and it’s hard.”

These words highlight the emotional weight of his role as an analyst, where he’s often required to critique players he once shared the court with.

While Perkins has built a reputation for his straightforward commentary, it’s clear that this honesty has come at a personal cost.

One of the most notable rifts Perkins discussed was with LeBron James.

The tension reportedly stemmed from Perkins’ comments about LeBron’s son, Bronny James, and his journey toward the NBA.

Perkins expressed frustration over the media’s focus on Bronny, questioning whether it was fair to spotlight a player who might not even make the first round of the draft.

“We shouldn’t be talking about the 55th pick,” Perkins said, referring to Bronny’s projected draft position.

He emphasized that other young players deserved attention but acknowledged that Bronny’s status as LeBron’s son made him a media focal point.

Perkins’ comments about Bronny sparked backlash, including from LeBron himself.

The situation highlights the challenges analysts face when discussing topics that involve their friends or former teammates.

Perkins admitted that once he’s in front of a microphone, it’s hard to hold back.

“Sometimes you get that microphone in front of you, and now I got to go all the way there,” he said, acknowledging the difficulty of navigating these sensitive topics.

The fallout with Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant also reflects the complexities of Perkins’ media role.

Perkins has been vocal about Westbrook’s need to adapt his game and accept a lesser role as his career progresses.

“If Russell Westbrook could come out and be efficient, take a lesser role, put his pride aside, then guess what? He’s going to extend his future,” Perkins said.

However, these comments haven’t always been well-received, with Westbrook reportedly taking issue with Perkins’ critiques.

When it comes to Kevin Durant, Perkins has been equally candid.

He’s questioned Durant’s leadership qualities, pointing out that Durant has struggled to assert himself as a locker room leader throughout his career.

“Kevin Durant is not a leader,” Perkins stated bluntly.

He cited Durant’s time in Oklahoma City, Brooklyn, and Phoenix as examples, arguing that Durant has relied on his talent rather than taking on a vocal leadership role.

Perkins also highlighted the importance of non-superstar leaders, mentioning his own leadership role alongside Nick Collison during their time with the Thunder.

The tension between Perkins and these players underscores a broader issue in the sports world: the difficulty of maintaining personal relationships while working in media.

Perkins compared his situation to that of Charles Barkley, who faced similar challenges after criticizing Michael Jordan’s tenure as an NBA owner.

Barkley’s comments led to a fallout with Jordan, illustrating the fine line analysts must walk when discussing their peers.

Perkins also touched on his relationship with Stephen A. Smith, who played a pivotal role in helping him secure a position at ESPN.

Perkins expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that his media career has allowed him to provide for his family in ways he couldn’t have imagined.

“Stephen A. got me a big deal at ESPN,” Perkins said, emphasizing his loyalty to Smith.

This loyalty has influenced Perkins’ approach to his media career, as he strives to balance honesty with the opportunities that Smith and ESPN have provided.

Despite the challenges, Perkins remains committed to speaking his truth.

He acknowledged that his critiques aren’t meant to be disrespectful but are instead rooted in his love for the game and his desire to see players succeed.

However, he also recognized that not everyone will appreciate his honesty, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like Bronny James or Russell Westbrook’s career trajectory.

The emotional toll of these strained relationships is evident in Perkins’ reflections.

He described the difficulty of navigating situations where his professional obligations clash with his personal connections.

“It be hard situations, bro,” Perkins admitted, highlighting the internal conflict he faces as a media analyst.

Perkins’ story sheds light on the complexities of life after basketball.

For many former players, transitioning to media offers a way to stay connected to the game they love.

However, this transition often comes with its own set of challenges, as analysts must balance their professional responsibilities with the personal relationships they’ve built over the years.

As Perkins continues to navigate his media career, his experiences serve as a reminder of the sacrifices that come with speaking one’s truth.

While his honesty has earned him respect as an analyst, it has also cost him friendships with some of the NBA’s biggest stars.

For Perkins, the journey is far from over, but his willingness to share his story offers valuable insights into the challenges of life after basketball.