Kendrick Perkins wants Rich Paul to shut up because he's hurting Lakers' LeBron James' GOAT case appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
During the 2026 NBA playoffs, prominent sports agent Rich Paul highlighted a significant discrepancy in how fans and former players perceive Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James compared to Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic .
On the May 4 episode of the Game Over podcast, Paul explained that the public tends to be quiet about Jokic because they are not particularly eager to see him lose.
In contrast, Paul noted that whenever James faces a setback, fans and peers openly express their joy over it.
This discussion arose as James and a shorthanded Lakers team advanced to the second round by defeating the Houston Rockets in six games, averaging 23.2 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.2 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Jokic and the Nuggets experienced a first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves .
Paul's attempt to defend James' postseason narrative has sparked significant backlash from analysts who believe it undermines his legacy.
In response to a clip shared by NBA Courtside on X, former player and analyst Kendrick Perkins criticized Paul's public defense, arguing that it could hurt James' case for being the G.O.A.T. Perkins stated, "This is where he has to stop. This is where he starts to hurt LeBron James ' G.O.A.T case. This is where people begin to talk about the 'controlling of the narrative.' You mention MJ and then here comes Rich Paul, LeBron's guy, trying to boost his G.O.A.T status. But it's not helping; it's actually making it worse!"
Despite the media backlash, Paul remains confident in his client's remarkable athletic longevity.
During his podcast appearance on April 23, he asserted that James has the potential to play for five more years in the NBA .
Paul emphasized that the superstar could extend his career to 28 seasons, well into his 40s, and encouraged fans to appreciate this historic opportunity rather than trying to push the future Hall of Famer out of the league prematurely.
Related: Why Rich Paul believes Lakers' LeBron James is like Muhammad Ali
Related: Lakers rumors: Insider drops truth bomb on Austin Reaves vs. LeBron James 'priority'

