NBA Champ Calls Out LeBron James Over League Coverage Complaints: 'These Players Are So Sensitive'

NBA champion Kendrick Perkins has once again stirred the pot, this time criticizing LeBron James for his recent complaints about how the league is covered. During an interview with Pat McAfee, James expressed frustration, stating that the coverage had "gotten away from the essence of the game of basketball," which motivated him to start his podcast with J.J. Redick.

Perkins, known for his candid takes, fired back during his appearance on "First Take." He didn’t mince words: "He needs to stop. LeBron James needs to stop. I’m so sick of him with, ‘Oh, how the league is covered,’ because he wants it to be covered in a certain way that he wants it to be covered." Harsh, but Perkins clearly wasn’t holding back.

He elaborated further, saying, "And look, I’m a big LeBron fan. … The problem I have is, one, everything that comes out of LeBron James’ mouth ain’t the damn gospel. No. 2, we’re in 2025, it’s a different era. Dammit, you have to adjust. But here’s the thing, the coverage of the NBA, in my opinion, has been the same since I’ve arrived in the NBA."

Perkins also pointed out that past NBA legends like Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and Allen Iverson were heavily scrutinized during their careers. "In today’s game, these players are so sensitive. So sensitive that it just don’t make any damn sense," he remarked.

He made it clear that NBA players sign up for both the praise and criticism that come with the territory when they enter the league. It’s part of the deal, according to Perkins.

As someone who played 14 seasons in the league, Perkins is no stranger to the highs and lows of NBA stardom. His final season in 2017-18 saw him play alongside James with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who ultimately fell to the Golden State Warriors in the Finals. While Perkins respects James as a player, it’s obvious he’s not afraid to challenge the superstar’s perspective.

LeBron James remains one of the most polarizing figures in sports, and critiques like Perkins’ highlight the ongoing debate about how the NBA and its players should be covered in this modern era.