For the better part of two decades, LeBron James hasn’t just been a superstar-he’s been the superstar. The face of the NBA.
A generational talent who’s transcended the hardwood and become a cultural force in a way few athletes ever have. Whether he’s dropping 30 on the road or simply walking into an arena, LeBron has long commanded the spotlight, and as his career winds down, the league is bracing for what comes next.
We don’t know exactly when the final chapter will be written-whether this is his last season or he’s got another one or two left in the tank-but one thing is clear: we’re nearing the end of the LeBron era. And that has some people wondering if the NBA is truly ready for what comes after.
Kendrick Perkins doesn’t think so. The former NBA big man-and former LeBron teammate-didn’t mince words during a recent appearance on First Take.
“Is the NBA ready for life without LeBron? Hell no.
Hell no. They’re not,” Perkins said.
“When you talk about packing out arenas on the road, LeBron James does that in every arena that they pull up in that's not at Crypto.com [Arena]. He's been doing that for the past two-plus decades.”
And he’s not wrong. LeBron has been a box office draw since he entered the league.
From Cleveland to Miami to L.A., he’s filled arenas, moved merchandise, and delivered on the court-night in and night out. Even now, in the twilight of his career, he’s still a must-watch attraction, still capable of taking over a game, and still dominating the conversation the next morning.
“We come on television every damn day,” Perkins added, “and if LeBron James played the night before, we gonna talk about LeBron James the next day.”
That’s the kind of gravitational pull LeBron has had-not just on the court, but across the entire basketball ecosystem. His impact goes beyond stats and championships.
It’s about presence. Influence.
Star power.
Of course, the NBA isn’t short on young talent. Luka Doncic continues to dazzle with his all-around brilliance.
Victor Wembanyama is already redefining what a 7-footer can do. Anthony Edwards is blossoming into a charismatic two-way force with serious alpha energy.
The next generation is here, and they’re not just holding the torch-they’re ready to run with it.
But here’s the thing: replacing LeBron isn’t just about filling a stat sheet or selling jerseys. It’s about finding that rare blend of dominance, charisma, and cultural resonance.
And that’s not something you can manufacture. LeBron didn’t just show up and become LeBron overnight-it took years of excellence, leadership, and big moments on the biggest stages.
So yes, the league will move forward. It always does.
New stars will rise. New rivalries will emerge.
But it might be a long time before we see another player who can match LeBron’s impact, both between the lines and far beyond them.
For now, we’re still lucky enough to be watching him play. And when he finally decides to hang it up, it won’t just mark the end of a career-it’ll mark the end of an era.