Amid the whirlwind of recent moves by the Los Angeles Lakers, there are growing rumors that control within the franchise has shifted. The belief is that “The King” no longer wields the same influence he once did, and that this new era appears to favor a recent arrival-yes, the one you’re thinking of: Luka Doncic. This, according to former NBA player and current analyst Kendrick Perkins.
Bron, Rich Paul putting out a statement… it really served no purpose but to ruffle the feathers,” he said. Feathers? Ruffled? That was a freaking tornado. But why? “Because it’s a new sheriff in town. Or should I say sheriffs?
This came in the wake of the Lakers’ $10 billion sale though it’s been stated that Jeanie Buss will remain in charge, something Perkins finds hard to believe.
“You ain’t paying $10 billion without calling shots,” Perkins argued. Buying a franchise at that price means full control, not just premium courtside seats to watch from the sidelines. It implies a hands-on role-real decision-making power. Otherwise, what’s the point of the purchase? And in all this, where does that leave LeBron?
A new direction with youth and a name of its own
Perkins is someone with deep connections in the league and is known for speaking with clarity and confidence about inner dynamics. In this case, he claims the Lakers’ power structure is shifting toward a younger, immensely talented figure (not that LeBron lacks talent), someone positioned as a central pillar for the team’s future: Luka Doncic.
“It’s not a 40-year-old LeBron James… It’s Luka. It’s Luka and it’s WME,” Perkins stated. WME is Doncic’s representation agency-and now, DeAndre Ayton has also entered the conversation.
Ayton recently signed with the Lakers, and while it may seem coincidental, Perkins insists it’s anything but. “You don’t think Luka is having a say in what’s going on in the Lakers front office right now? You crazy as hell.”
The Lakers are reportedly expecting Luka to sign a contract extension this August, and everything suggests they’re building a roster tailored to his style and needs. For years, Klutch Sports and Rich Paul orchestrated the team’s moves. Now, the tide appears to be turning toward WME marking a shift in who pulls the strings within the organization. The Klutch Sports era may be coming to a close, giving way to a new regime in Los Angeles.
Are we witnessing LeBron’s exit and Luka’s rise?
LeBron James is not represented by WME, which seemingly supports Kendrick Perkins’ assertion of a changing of the guard within the Lakers.
James still holds tremendous box office appeal and remains productive on the court, but it seems the organization is beginning to lean toward someone less crafted for a Hollywood storyline and more aligned with youth and professionalism-someone they believe can lead the franchise back to true contention.
All signs point to the prince claiming the throne sooner than expected-and the king being ushered out of his domain. Time will tell.
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