Kendrick Perkins Sends Warning to Luka Doncic Ahead of Lakers Season

The NBA has unveiled the comprehensive 2023-24 regular-season schedule, which features the Los Angeles Lakers kicking off their season on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors. A notable matchup awaits as former superstar LeBron James leads the Philadelphia 76ers back to the Lakers' home court for a Christmas Day showdown.

ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins weighed in on the upcoming season, expressing optimism that the Lakers will field one of the league's top offensive teams. Doncic, now without James, remains one of the league's elite offensive players, and Perkins believes the Lakers possess sufficient offensive firepower to secure victories. The analyst also described the team as fifth-best in the Western Conference on paper, but emphasized that this ranking means little to the Lakers fanbase, who hold the standard of championship or bust.

Perkins noted that the Lakers' era with Doncic has begun, and expectations are high. While the team initially envisioned a championship run after pairing Doncic with James, that goal has not materialized. However, Doncic and his new backcourt partner, Austin Reaves, have proven capable of spectacular performances. Last season, Doncic registered multiple 50-point outings, and Reaves hit a 51-point game against the Sacramento Kings.

The offseason saw the Lakers release James, who joined the 76ers, but also brought in new talent such as veteran big man Walker Kessler and former 76ers star Quentin Grimes. Both players demonstrated their scoring abilities during the offseason, with Grimes scoring 31 points against the Portland Trail Blazers and 28 points against the Brooklyn Nets, while Kessler, despite limited playing time due to injuries with the Jazz, has the potential to make a significant impact in his new Lakers role.