In a bold statement, Kendrick Perkins asserts that the Los Angeles Lakers are saving the NBA.

Kendrick Perkins, a former NBA player and current sports analyst, has never been one to shy away from making bold statements. In one of his most provocative remarks, he asserts that the Los Angeles Lakers are “saving the NBA.” While this claim may seem audacious to some, Perkins has consistently used his platform to offer bold opinions on basketball, often stirring debate among fans, analysts, and players alike. His statement, while controversial, can be unpacked and analyzed in several dimensions, touching upon both the historical and contemporary contexts of the NBA, the Lakers’ franchise significance, and their role in the current landscape of professional basketball.

The Historical Legacy of the Los Angeles Lakers

To understand the weight of Perkins’ assertion, it’s important to first consider the Lakers’ historical significance within the NBA. The franchise has long been one of the most storied and successful in the league’s history. Established in 1947, the Lakers are synonymous with championship success, legendary players, and a deep cultural impact both on and off the court. Their rich history includes iconic figures such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant, to name a few. The Lakers’ success is not just measured by the championships they have won but by their ability to transcend basketball and influence global culture.

The Lakers’ legacy is defined by their star power. Since the 1980s, when the team was led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Lakers have maintained a constant presence in the NBA Finals. Their rivalry with the Boston Celtics in the 1980s is one of the most celebrated in sports history, drawing immense attention to the NBA and setting the stage for its global expansion. The Lakers’ appeal is not confined to the U.S.; the team is a worldwide brand, attracting a diverse fanbase from all corners of the globe. From the “Showtime” era to the Mamba mentality of Kobe Bryant, the Lakers have been central to the NBA’s rise to its current global prominence.

Given this context, Perkins’ statement can be interpreted as a recognition of the Lakers’ enduring role in elevating the NBA’s popularity. As the Lakers continue to be one of the most recognizable franchises in sports, they play a key role in keeping the NBA relevant, especially in times when interest in professional basketball may be waning.

The Lakers’ Impact on the Modern NBA

In recent years, the NBA has undergone significant changes. The landscape of the league has shifted in terms of player empowerment, the rise of new contenders, and the increasing globalization of basketball. Yet, through it all, the Lakers have managed to remain at the center of the NBA conversation. Perkins’ bold assertion can be viewed through the lens of the Lakers’ ongoing influence in this modern era.

In 2018, the arrival of LeBron James in Los Angeles reignited the Lakers’ cultural cachet and basketball relevance. LeBron is often hailed as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and his decision to sign with the Lakers sent shockwaves through the league. The significance of this move extended far beyond just basketball—it represented the convergence of the NBA’s biggest global star with one of the league’s most iconic franchises. LeBron’s presence in L.A. ensured that the Lakers would continue to be a focal point in the NBA’s story, attracting attention both in the U.S. and abroad.

Furthermore, LeBron’s arrival aligned with the Lakers’ commitment to building a championship-contending team, which came to fruition in 2020 when they won the NBA Championship in the NBA Bubble. This victory was particularly significant because it marked the Lakers’ 17th championship, tying them with the Boston Celtics for the most in NBA history. This achievement also symbolized a return to the Lakers’ championship pedigree after a period of struggles, a time when the franchise had been unable to compete at the highest level. By winning the title during the unique and challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lakers not only validated their place in history but also reasserted their role as a central figure in the NBA’s ongoing story.

While other teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and the Golden State Warriors have risen to prominence in recent years, the Lakers remain a dominant force in the league’s narrative. Their ability to remain competitive—coupled with their star power in LeBron James and Anthony Davis—keeps them in the spotlight year after year. In a league that is increasingly driven by narrative and star power, the Lakers represent the ultimate brand that continually drives interest and viewership. In this sense, Perkins’ statement about the Lakers “saving” the NBA can be interpreted as a recognition of how the team continues to keep the league relevant and captivating for fans around the world.

The NBA’s Transition and the Lakers’ Role

The NBA has undergone significant transitions in recent years, particularly in terms of its evolution as a global sport. The influence of foreign players, the rise of analytics, and a new generation of superstars have all changed the way the game is played and consumed. Amid these changes, the Lakers have remained an anchor for the league. This is not merely because of the players they have, but because of their ability to adapt and remain at the forefront of the NBA’s ever-evolving narrative.

The 2020 championship run, for example, was not just a triumph of talent. It was a victory that represented a sense of resilience and adaptation. The NBA had to contend with the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the bubble in Orlando was unlike any other postseason in league history. The Lakers’ ability to thrive in this environment showcased their professionalism and preparedness in a season like no other. Perkins might view this moment as one where the Lakers helped steady the NBA during a turbulent time, maintaining the sport’s relevance in the face of global uncertainty.

Moreover, the Lakers have also embraced the changing dynamics of the league. The team’s management has done an admirable job of attracting top talent and maintaining a competitive roster in an era where the superteam model has become increasingly popular. By pairing LeBron James with Anthony Davis, the Lakers effectively created one of the most formidable duos in recent memory, ensuring they would remain contenders for years to come. This commitment to fielding a championship-caliber team helps maintain fan interest, not only in Los Angeles but around the world.

The Lakers and the NBA’s Global Expansion

Another dimension to consider in Perkins’ statement is the Lakers’ role in the NBA’s global expansion. The NBA, as a league, has worked tirelessly to grow its international footprint, and the Lakers have been at the forefront of this effort. With LeBron James serving as one of the most marketable athletes globally, and the Lakers’ status as a cultural juggernaut, the team plays an outsized role in the NBA’s global reach.

The Lakers’ influence extends far beyond the United States. As a franchise based in Los Angeles, a global cultural capital, the Lakers are tied to the city’s entertainment industry, making them one of the most recognizable teams worldwide. International fans who follow NBA stars often gravitate toward the Lakers because of the team’s history, star power, and iconic brand. In countries like China, the Philippines, and parts of Africa, the Lakers enjoy a massive following, which contributes significantly to the NBA’s worldwide popularity.

Perkins’ claim that the Lakers are “saving the NBA” can also be seen in this light, as the team is instrumental in ensuring that the league remains a top-tier global brand. When the Lakers are relevant and successful, the NBA benefits from heightened international attention, increased media rights deals, and greater fan engagement.

Player Empowerment and the Lakers’ Influence

The rise of player empowerment in the NBA has been a transformative force in the league over the past decade. Star players increasingly have more control over their careers, from demanding trades to influencing team-building decisions. In many ways, the Lakers have become a symbol of this shift. The team’s pursuit of superstar players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis is a reflection of the changing dynamics in the league, where teams are willing to leverage their resources to attract and retain top-tier talent.

The Lakers’ ability to form superstar duos and attract big names has allowed them to remain competitive, even as other teams attempt to build their own championship-caliber rosters. The franchise’s commitment to winning—along with its deep pockets and cultural significance—ensures that it will remain a key player in the NBA’s ongoing evolution. In a sense, the Lakers are a beacon for other teams to follow, signaling that success in the modern NBA is not only about good coaching or solid team-building but also about creating a dynamic environment where the league’s biggest stars want to come and play.

Kendrick Perkins’ assertion that the Los Angeles Lakers are “saving the NBA” is undeniably bold, but it is also a statement that holds significant weight when considering the Lakers’ historical legacy, their impact on the modern NBA, and their role in the global expansion of the sport. The Lakers have remained a central figure in the NBA, through both periods of success and moments of struggle, and their ongoing prominence ensures that the league continues to captivate fans around the world. Whether it’s through their star players, their championship pedigree, or their global influence, the Lakers are an integral part of the NBA’s ongoing story. In this sense, Perkins’ statement reflects a truth that, while bold, resonates with anyone who has followed the league for any significant period: the Lakers are, and will continue to be, one of the driving forces that keeps the NBA at the forefront of the global sports conversation.