41-year-old LeBron James proves Kendrick Perkins wrong after Lakers win
LeBron James silenced his doubters anew with another vintage performance during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 98-78 Game 6 win against the Houston Rockets to book their tickets to the next round, where they’ll face the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 41-year-old NBA star led the Lakers with 28 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists on 10-of-25 shooting from the field in 37 minutes, prompting Kendrick Perkins to eat his words after the ESPN analyst doubted that James could lead his team to victory in Game 6. Prior to the contest, Perkins proclaimed that the Rockets were “going to win the series,” adding that he doubts James has what it takes to lead the Lakers.
MORE: Lakers, LeBron on verge of major collapse “Definitely wasn’t expecting and 41 year old Bron James to have this type of energy, but I knew better than to underestimate the [GOAT] God Bless America,” Perkins posted on X after Game 6. May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) handles the ball against Houston Rockets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (2) during the second quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images James recorded 18 of his 28 points in the first half as the Lakers built an 18-point lead before the halftime break.
Early in the second quarter, the four-time NBA champion reached 1,500 career playoff points as a member of the Lakers. Before Game 6, the Lakers had been on the verge of collapsing against the Rockets, as their commanding 3-0 series lead was cut to 3-2 after losing Games 4 and 5. Besides James, Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves scored double-digit points for the Lakers with 21 and 15, respectively.
The Lakers’ defense also deserves credit for holding the Rockets to a season low in points.