Controversy and Kendrick Perkins are slowly becoming synonymous with the ex-NBA star’s frequent bold takes, the latest being on LeBron James. What started with the ‘King’ recalling his time with Kyrie Irving, and expressing his desire to play with him once again, somehow escalated to Perkins alleging Bron makes everything about him. The former NBA star’s argument was this is Irving’s moment and this should be just about him. However, his comments did not go well with LeBron and he unfollowed him on social media. After an X post on this, Perkins has now responded.

The former Boston Celtics star first reminded of his response tweet for Bron, where he had mentioned “Everybody didn’t follow Jesus, I’ll be ok.” After facing severe backlash on his tweet, Perkins has now revealed the root cause behind his take on LeBron James. He stated as an analyst it’s his job to call out people on their bullsh*t. But when deserved, he’ll give them their flowers as well, as claimed by Perk. “My thing is, is that at the end of the day, I cannot kiss nobody a** about because of something that I said on television. I won’t do it,” he added, via the Road Trippin’ podcast.

Notably, Perkins and Bron had first reportedly met during their seventh-grade days. It is said the two became friends during their time at the ABCD Camp, playing on the Oakland Soldiers. But the 2008 NBA champ has now stated on the same podcast, “the friendship wasn’t what it was anyway.” However, whatever has transpired so far is not only because of Perkins’ work ethics but also his family.

“Raising leaders over here, not followers”: Perkins’s family angle in LeBron James row

During the podcast, the former NBA star stated he has four kids, of which he has three boys. He further mentioned he is teaching his kids to be respectful, but he never wants them to think less of themselves in any circumstance.

“I’m raising leaders over here, not followers…I don’t give a damn with who you walk in the room with, never to feel less than anybody…But you don’t feel like you above nobody as well…” he stated. This mentality seems to be something he is not inculcating just in his sons but probably all his family members.

Amid the LeBron controversy, Perkins celebrated his niece’s recent milestone through an IG post. Not only did he shower words of love and support, but also advised her to “be a leader and never a follower.” As for the ongoing controversy, ‘Perk’ has still admitted James to be his GOAT and said that’s not changing.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.