Kendrick Perkins says Kevin Durant loss to 41-year-old LeBron James would stain his legacy

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The Houston Rockets are set to face the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the NBA playoffs, with the series beginning on 18 April.

There remains uncertainty around the Lakers’ line-up, as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are not expected to feature in the opening game.

That context has added further intrigue to the match-up, particularly given the stakes involved for key players on both sides.

Kendrick Perkins says Kevin Durant faces legacy stain if Lakers win series

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Kendrick Perkins, a former NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and now a basketball analyst, has issued a strong warning regarding Kevin Durant’s legacy.

Speaking on the Road Trippin Show, Perkins suggested the series carries significant weight for the Rockets star.

The former Celtics centre’s argument is based on the fact that KD is yet to reach playoff success since he left Golden State Warriors in June 2019.

“That’s a legacy one for Kevin Durant. He better not lose to LeBron James at 41 years old,” Perkins began by saying.

“[If he loses] It’s going to be another f—— stain, another asterisk on his f—— legacy. Because since he’s left Golden State, it’s been disappointment in Brooklyn, disappointment and failure in Phoenix.”

“And all of a sudden you get here, and you get a match-up that’s favourable for you, you get lucky with no Luka probably, no Austin Reaves, and you get a Lakers team that’s led by a 41-year-old LeBron James, while your team is healthy and you got some other stars around you, and you don’t f—— win this series? Oh it’s going to be hell.”

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