
via Imago
Image courtesy: Imago

via Imago
Image courtesy: Imago
JJ Redick’s appointment as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers did not receive a welcome from everyone across the NBA community. Many were against the rumors moving all around the league because of his closeness and liking to LeBron James. However, there was another candidate for the head coach role that did not get much attention. Rather, he was fired along with fellow assistant coaches during Darvin Ham’s firing. Apparently, LeBron James‘ long critic and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins pointed it out as he rooted for Lakers’ former assistant coach Phil Handy.
On the Mark Jackson Show, Perkins mentioned the role of Phil Handy in Bron’s life. Handy was there when Bron won a championship with Cleaveland. He’s been through ups and downs, to Finals and many other games with him. So Phil not getting a chance at the Head Coach position, sounded appalling to Kendrick Perkins.
“That’s the thing that pi**es me off about LeBron the most. … the Frank Vogel nonsense, the Darvin Ham nonsense, Russell Westbrook drama that went on between the locker room, Phil Handy was the guy behind the scenes keeping this whole thing together, and he couldn’t even get a conversation?” Perkins busted on LeBron.
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Notably, Phil started at the Lakers as a player development coach in 2011 under Mike Brown. Despite serving for many years, he was only limited to the assistant coach position. Rather, it was also taken from him when the front office fired all the assistant coach staff after Ham’s firing in May of this year.
That’s why Perkins was so upset, as Handy followed LeBron and stayed loyal to him. Handy pacified all the troubles in the locker room during Ham’s trouble. Yet Redick got the HC role even when Phil was with LeBron for years. “The man ain’t even get an interview, “ Perkins pointed out the missing opportunities for Handy. Last month, days after Handy got fired, he even expressed on the “Certified Buckets” podcast that he was “ready to be a head coach.”
But it is not the first time Perkins has gone after LeBron for his mistake. He has criticized King James on various occasions, one of which did not go well with the Lakers superstar.
When Kendrick Perkins’ constant criticism received retaliation from LeBron James
About two weeks ago, LeBron James unfollowed ESPN analyst Perkins on the X. However, the response aftermath of this event went even more viral than the move itself. Although it was not just about Perkins, King James also unfollowed Bill Simmons and Blake Griffin. It seemed like LeBron got rid of everyone who spoke poorly of him. But Perkins made it all about himself after the incident, as he called the Lakers superstar “sensitive” on the First Take while verbally bashing the former.

via Getty
CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 6: Kendrick Perkins #3 celebrates with LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half against the Chicago Bulls during Game Two in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2015 NBA Playoffs 2015 at Quicken Loans Arena on May 6, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Perkins read all the lists of things that might have rubbed LeBron the wrong way. It included Darvin Ham’s firing, the Lakers’ head coach search, and also the Bronny James relating to the NBA draft. Apparently, it does seem that LeBron has had enough of the continuous scrutiny from so many eyes of the public media. That’s why he wanted peace from all of it.
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No one read King James’ mind when he made such a move. Therefore, no one can be sure. The timing of the move pointed toward the Kyrie Irving incident, but it carries more to it. What’s your opinion on the root cause of it? Let us know in the comments.
Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.
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