NBA fans are no strangers to heated debates over who holds the title of the league’s best player, and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has added fuel to the fire with his latest comments. Speaking on First Take, Perkins made a bold claim that has left Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers fans divided: LeBron James—not Nikola Jokić—is the best player in the NBA right now.
“Are we sure that Nikola Jokić is the best player in the league? Are we sure about that?” Perkins questioned. “I would have to say right now today that LeBron James is the best player in the NBA. He’s getting it done at the age of 40 on both ends of the floor at a high level. Right now, he’s the best player in the NBA.”
The statement has caused an uproar among Nuggets fans, as Jokić is on track to finish the season averaging a triple-double and is a leading candidate to secure his fourth MVP award. If he succeeds, he would join an exclusive club of only six players in NBA history to win at least four MVPs. Among active players, only LeBron James has accomplished that feat, which adds another layer of intrigue to the debate.
While Jokić’s dominance as a playmaker, scorer, and rebounder has solidified his case as the best in the league, Perkins argues that James’ two-way impact and longevity set him apart. Despite turning 40 years old, LeBron continues to perform at an elite level, carrying the Lakers in crucial moments and remaining one of the most versatile defenders in the league.
This is not the first time Perkins has voiced skepticism over Jokić’s dominance. Last season, he made headlines when he suggested that Jokić’s previous MVP wins were influenced by factors beyond on-court performance, a take that stirred controversy and backlash. Now, his claim that LeBron is still the league’s best player has reignited the debate.
With Jokić and LeBron set to face off again on March 14 when the Lakers travel to Denver, the discussion will only intensify. Jokić has historically dominated these matchups, but if LeBron delivers a statement performance, it could add more weight to Perkins’ argument.
As the NBA season heads toward the playoffs, the MVP race and the best-player debate are heating up. Will Jokić cement his place as the undisputed top player, or does LeBron still have something to prove? Fans will be watching closely as two of the game’s biggest stars prepare for another showdown.