“Kawhi Leonard and co are not what they were a month ago”: Kendrick Perkins explains why he’s low on the Clippers even this year against LeBron James and co

Kendrick Perkins believes the Clippers led by Kawhi Leonard and co can’t hold a candle to LeBron James and his defending champion Lakers.

It’s been a while since LeBron last dominated an NBA game. But it’s also been a way longer time since LeBron was NOT one of the top 3 players in basketball. Both track records exist, but one is much, much, much longer than the other.

It is therefore, utter folly to straightaway dismiss the Lakers’ chances at the championship just yet. James is almost certain to come back with a vengeance for the play-in or playoff games, and you’d do better to expect it.

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This is essentially the argument that Kendrick Perkins didn’t make as he talked about the Clippers on First Take. The former Celtics player believes the Lakers’ noisy neighbors haven’t got what it takes to make a postseason run.

Kendrick Perkins is counting out Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers

Big Perk has virtually got no real diehard stance on the crosstown rivalry. Though he’s always pulling for LeBron James, the former NBA champion also gave his flowers to the Clippers many times this year.

Perkins, however, is not impressed by Kawhi and co for their showings of late. They seem to be on a slide at the moment, and Kendrick Perkins made sure to point that out today:

“The reason that I’m not afraid, I don’t think the Lakers should be afraid of the Clippers. And I actually picked the Clippers as my favorites, but I’m kinda backtracking on that, Molly.”

“Cuz they’ve been playing horrible basketball. Kawhi is not healthy, PG is looking horrible, and the Lakers, right? The Lakers put on a defensive CLINIC last night.”

“They are the best defensive team in the league. They hang their hats on the defensive side of things. With that being said, I think their confidence is looking a little shaky at the top so if I’m the Lakers I’m not concerned at the moment.”

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