In sports, you can be a hero today and a villain tomorrow and there’s no room to justify. Well, that comes along when you are on the big stage, and there’s nothing to object to, but it’s crazy how much one loss can change your image in the media. The Lakers were on their best run of the season- 8 on the bounce with a 10/2 record in 12 games since the Don came into town. But despite another Luka Doncic triple-double during their loss against the Nets, questions about long-term stability have arisen. And these questions have been brought on by former greats of the game, namely Kendrick Perkins on First Take.

“Let’s see what you could do without LeBron James on the floor. Both of them, right? JJ, let’s see. you have done a phenomenal job upto this point, with LeBron James who is still, in my opinion, one of the best players in the NBA. Luka Doncic- Dallas traded you because they said that they felt that you weren’t that guy for their franchise. Give the Lakers fans something to cheer about or be happy about when LeBron James retires,” said KP on the episode with Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe.

The world saw Sharpe’s newest lingo for ‘Lakers in 5’. Kendrick called him out for it in the episode. “Don’t get to back peddling now. This the same Shannon that’s been on TV talking about SGA, PGA, USA, Lakers in 5 and KFC and all these restaurants? This the same Shannon?”

To be fair to KP, it does come from a small place of reasoning. Having LBJ on the floor has created greatness, even this season at the age of 40. Against the Nets, the Lakers missed out on 25 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.9 assists while shooting 1 in 2 from the field. I’d be worrying a bit if I was a showtime fanatic.

Luka Doncic also got flamed in Kendrick’s rants. “Give the Lakers fans something to cheer about or be happy about when LeBron James retires. Is this franchise in good hands? This stretch is gonna tell us a lot about JJ Redick and Luka Doncic.” After Bron retires, El Matador is the future of the Lakers. It does seem as if someone of his quality will show soon that he can lead the line for the foreseeable future. In 12 games, having 24.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 8 assists as your per-game average is enough to give the fans some hope. But the immediate future without LeBron is intensely tough.

LeBron James’ absence triggers controversy

A LeBron absence is rare. The lovers missed him. But the haters took no more convincing to get controversy brewing around his name. He shared an Insta story about the hectic schedule the Lakers have in the next week or so. They have 6 games in the next 7 days, with two bouts each with the Bucks and the Nuggets. But a groin injury rules him out for the next couple of weeks, perfectly in time to sit out for the run-in.

Fans took to social media to point this out. It seems that the King opts to rest and avoid the pressure of sitting on the sidelines while his teams give their all on the floor. But of all the ballers in history, he has nothing more to give to the sport. His legacy surpasses everyone.

The numbers are too well-known at this point. But that’s not even his biggest asset. His exceptional mentality sets him apart, a fact that all fans recognize as the reason for his unwavering strength of mind. He steps up when he’s required.

I don’t mean to toot Kendrick Perkins’ horn, but the next few games are do-or-die for the Lakers. The Luka magic will have to run deep into the season without the help of LeBron James, which will only bring the heat around JJ Redick’s name down by a bit.