Kendrick Perkins Declares LeBron James Is Hurting His Legacy By Not Retiring

Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James has been a dominant force in the NBA for 21 years, and while it looks like he has more left in the tank others think it's time to walk away.

Despite a season that saw him average 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, ESPN's Kendrick Perkins thinks it's time to hang up the shoes. When discussing the topic of whether or not having 10 head coaches hurts James' legacy and case for being the G.O.A.T., Perkins did not hold back on ESPN's First Take.

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Perkins explained that there has never been a sense of accountability when it comes to James and his team's struggles, and that it often gets passed onto the coach. He also touched on the fact that James is constantly trying to force moves but then gets upset when the team is unable to compete at the highest level.

He did however provide a solution for this, but it was one that many fans, and even James himself, likely aren't ready for.

When discussing the topic with Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe, Perkins revealed that he wished James would retire. He did explain that it's not because he doesn't enjoy seeing James play at a high level, but because he's hurting his own legacy.

"I wish LeBron James would retire," Perkins told the panel. "Not because I don't want to see more of LeBron James. ... The more LeBron James continues to play the game of basketball, the more it's going to hurt his legacy and the more it's going to continue to hurt his GOAT argument."

James' retirement has been a popular subject of late, with Charles Barkley also expressing wishes for James to walk away before it's too late. While those around the league are hoping it happens, based on comments made by James' agent Rich Paul, there are at least a couple more years of James in the league.

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“I think body-wise, five (years),” Paul said on All The Smoke . “Mind wise, understanding how to play the game mind wise, forever. But mind-wise as it pertains to frustration and/or just like man, I’ve had enough, missing time with his family and his wife, because they’re been unbelievable. They’re been an unbelievable support system. At some point, it’s got to be about them. And I think from that perspective, maybe 2-3 (years).”

James and the Lakers, who he is expected to re-sign with this offseason, were bounced out of the first round of the playoffs. The Lakers then fired head coach Darvin Ham, and are going to have a major offseason ahead of them. There is a belief that they may pursue a third star, and there is also a lot of noise around the notion that they will draft James' oldest son, Bronny, to keep him happy.

At this point, one would have to think that anything could happen.